Geese in flying "V" formation

Question

why do they fly like this what makes them do it? douse it help them fly better? i have to do a packet on birds for summer school and i don't know the answer.

Answer 1

They do this because the leader, at the tip of the V, breaks the wind.  The concept is similar to drafting your car behind a semi on the highway.  There's less resistance against the air because of the semi pushing the air first.

Notice in the flying V, that although the leader has the hardest task of being the first to hit the wind, the geese will switch positions with the leader to avoid tiring out.

Answer 2

A V formation makes it easier for them to fly long distances. It is a matter of aerodynamics.

  The lead bird disturbs the air and each following bird does the same. The lead bird changes frequently.