Instead they opted for a habitual route that followed linear features in the landscape, such as roads, rivers, railways, and hedge lines — even when it wasn't the most direct way home. “It was almost comical,” says Guilford. “One pigeon followed a road to a roundabout, then exited onto a major road that led to a second roundabout. Others flew down the River Thames, only to make a (15) ______ turn at a bridge.