[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. ;)

[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.

[MarineBrat]

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

[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???!?

[ClearCase_guy]

It's not the birds that have me worried.

[El Gran Salseron]

Anyone who has watched birds even as a passing idle glance in the back yard knows this.

Why did they have to spend money on a useless endeavor? All they would have had to do is to ask anyone who watched birds even for a few moments.

Idiots.

[Nathan Zachary]

"This research describes the first explicit demonstration of a bird responding to a live predator's eye-gaze direction." grouse always have a few guards sitting in the trees around a feeding area. as the feeding birds get their share, they switch places with the guards.

When a big old owl hawk or eagle comes however, there is no eye contact. Just a soft "thud" sound and a bunch of feathers fluttering to the ground as the stealth bomber swoops in a snatches one of the guards or feeders.
the predator birds are incredibly fast, especially the owls. They are like bullet. All those fluffy feathers fold up real tight when they dive in.

Someone gave us a guinnea pig to babysit one time, and not thinking, I put it out in the yard to feed on a clump of fresh clover. I turned my back for just a second to tell my dog to lay down; then I heard the "thud" and the guinea pig was no more...

[KarlInOhio]

Predators have read the story and are quickly developing countermeasures.

[relictele]

[redhead]

This is true. My African Grey parrot, Buster, even when his back is turned, can tell if I have turned to look at him, and has his eye on me instantly.

As prey creatures, it's in their best interest to be fully aware of their surroundings. That surely includes any loving gazes from their adoring humans.

Buster, you ROCK!

[LuxMaker]

This article reminds me of a joke about a parrot and a burglar.

A idiotic burglar while invading a home looked at a parrot in a cage named Moses. The parrot then exclaimed, "Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming!" A moment later a 100 pound Rottweiler named Jesus came running out and jumped on the stupid burglar.

[TASMANIANRED]

Starlings ....rats with wings.