• THREE ducks flew in formation past my window, the cries told me they were nearing their nesting grounds in Regent’s Park after a journey across the Atlantic.

When flying in formation the lead duck allows the two tailing ducks to ”slipstream’, saving energy on long journeys. If there is no wind they fly in V formation.

If there is a side wind the two rear ducks fly one behind the other to the side of the lead duck.

On long journeys the lead duck flying at the tip of the formation drops back and lets one of the others take the lead to spread flight fatigue equally.

MICHAEL DOWD