“… the lead bird isn’t an alpha bird, he explained, it’s just the one that assumes temporary wind duty, and when it gets tired, it flies to the back of the pack, where it may straggle while regaining strength. “If you’re the guy in front, you can only stay there so long,” he said. “Recovery may take awhile.” In the meantime, a new bird moves in.
“The Goose that flies at the back of the pack is just getting some rest” by Mary Schmich
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2012-11-09-ct-met-schmich-1109-20121109-story.html
The Caboose
(On seeing geese fly in “V” formation)