November 11, 2024

A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush

As the old proverb goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Inspired by God’s creation mandate in Genesis 1:28, humans across the centuries have sought ways to optimize processes, solve problems, and ultimately “subdue” the world for our benefit. The quest to observe and record the laws of nature has taught us many helpful concepts in a variety of fields, particularly in topics related to science and technology.

One example is aerodynamics, the study of forces and the resulting motion of objects through the air.^[1]Wei Shyy et al., An Introduction to Flapping Wing Aerodynamics (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2013). Specifically, birds have provided considerable insight into the principles that influence aircraft design. These incredible animals were created with different types of wings that adapt to thrust, drag, lift, and weight—the four basic forces involved in flight. Delta wings, for instance, were inspired by birds of prey like the peregrine falcon. This bird’s ability to curve its wings backward and align them close to its body reduces drag, allowing it to swoop down with rapid velocity.

Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit profile compared to a peregrine falcon profile.

The delta wing structure is especially common among high-speed aircraft like the B-2 Spirit. This stealth bomber has many similarities to a peregrine falcon in both shape and performance. It features sleek wings that minimize drag and improve speed, and its ability to hit marked targets parallels the skill of a falcon on the hunt.^[2]Alexander Lippisch, The Delta Wing: History and Development (Iowa City: Iowa University Press, 1981). Because the plane was designed for covert missions, it employs sophisticated aerodynamics to reduce radar cross-section and boost maneuverability—similar to the precision and agility of a swooping bird through the air. Its design also incorporates features that reduce its radar signature, so though not completely silent like a falcon, the B-2 operates with a high level of stealth.^[3]Abhishek Sawant, “B-2 Bomber: Nature-Inspired Design Marvel!” Medium, December 19, 2023. Furthermore, just as falcons adjust their wings to accommodate flight conditions, this aircraft has geometric wings that can be configured for different flight phases.

Clearly, the design of peregrine falcons has influenced the unique engineering of the B-2 Spirit bomber—one of the most iconic planes in the U.S. military arsenal. If human inventions like bird-inspired aircraft illustrate the design, how much more are the birds themselves! To this point, Romans 1:18–25 conveys the idea that everyone, including scientists, can recognize the God-designed complexity of nature.^[4]Workmanship is emphasized in this passage as well as Psalm 19:1–6. Nature exhibits characteristics that are exclusive to the design agency observed in the efforts of artists or engineers. However, … Continue reading Our experiences with the handiwork that we see around us make it impossible to deny His agency.^[5]Randy J. Guliuzza, “Engineering Principles Point to God’s Workmanship,” Acts & Facts, June 2017, 16–19. As we note the use of design elements borrowed from the natural world, it’s not “Mother Nature” (the creation) that deserves the credit but God (the Creator). Truly, He is the God “who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it” (Isaiah 42:5).

About the Author: Dr. Corrado earned a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from Colorado State University and an M.Div. from NationsUniversity. He is a member of the NationsUniverstiy faculty and freelance contributor to the NationsUniversity blog Applied Apologetics and the Institute for Creation Research’s Creation Science Update. He works in the nuclear industry and is a senior officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Please note that the opinions expressed herein are those of the author alone and are based on his personal understanding of scripture and how God works in our lives and do not necessarily reflect the views of NationsUniversity®.

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