Are you looking at me? Birds can tell if you are watching them - because they are watching you.

Wild Biology ^ | 4/30/08

[vpintheak]

But they still aren’t smart enough to know when I am going to blast them out of the sky.

[LibWhacker]

Carter argued that a predator's head orientation and eye-gaze direction are more subtle indicators of risk

Explains a lot... Maybe even why some people don't like to be stared at?

[w1andsodidwe]

Do these birds understand that a human is looking at them, and that they might pose some risk?

Well look at the size of the bird's brain. Do you suppose their is a fully function human brain in there that is able to reason?

[Mr. Jeeves]

Birds can tell if you are watching them - because they are watching you.

No kidding. Western gulls will stand there and stare you down until you fork over some bread from your sandwich. ;)

[RightWhale]

Do you suppose their is a fully function human brain in there that is able to reason?

No. Not human. Far more ancient and far more subtle.

[A CA Guy]

I seem to be growing birdies in the bowl of my light kit on my patio fan.

Yes, they are ALL STARING AT ME.

[massgopguy]

“So she takes the Parrot out of the freezer and he asks her; “Lady, can I ask, what did the Turkey do?”

[MarineBrat]

I can confirm my observation that doves are aware of being observed, and that it makes them panicky.

[Publius6961]

Western gulls will stand there and stare you down until you fork over some bread from your sandwich. ;)

I had a duck try that with me a few days ago while I was having lunch on a patio; after ignoring his stares, he went into my trouser pocket and tried to help himself. Far as I know, he wasn't an illegal duck.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

We are growing robins in the weeping cherry tree next to our patio. Son said the mother didn't miss a mouthful as she fed her young just inches from him while he was barbecuing last weekend. Last year she nested on the downspout by the edge of the patio. This year, she's taken a liking to cherry blossoms. Two little heads pop up and feed like there's no tomorrow. I guess they'll be out of the nest shortly. They grow up so fast.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

We are growing robins in the weeping cherry tree next to our patio. Son said the mother didn't miss a mouthful as she fed her young just inches from him while he was barbecuing last weekend. Last year she nested on the downspout by the edge of the patio. This year, she's taken a liking to cherry blossoms. Two little heads pop up and feed like there's no tomorrow. I guess they'll be out of the nest shortly. They grow up so fast.

[Abathar]

They get in my shop and fly around crapping on our machnes, we show no mercy.

As soon as you pick up a pellet gun and start watching them they can sense it and won’t stay still long enough to get a good bead on them. Stop looking at them and they settle right down long enough to get a shot off.

The guys in the shop all fight over who’s turn it is to get rid of the birds, if they miss they are ridiculed mercilessly for being a crappy shot.

[Lazamataz]

AY! You friggin' lookin' at me??? WHADDYA WANNA DO, HAH???!?

[dfwgator]

[A CA Guy]

I like the little birds, but it is very inconvenient to have them be where they are.
My wife likes them and of course neither of us would hurt or remove them.

I'm going to later fix the light to not have this happen again, but the patio is covered and big enough so that I can put up a couple of other places against walls where the birds can continue to have nests.

I have no problems with birds, the nests and all that.
I have problems with them over the center of the patio in the light where I might like to sit and eat BBQ.

Plus, like the article says. They stare at me, they follow my every move.

[Lazamataz]

Duuuuude. These waves are GNARLY! You bring the bong? I've got the surfboards. Let's party!

[ClearCase_guy]

It's not the birds that have me worried.

[yankeedame]

I had a duck try that with me a few days ago while I was having lunch on a patio; after ignoring his stares, he went into my trouser pocket and tried to help himself....

[Lazamataz]

Alright everybody. You ready? One, and two, and three:

(Harmonizing) Duke, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl, Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl....