Starlings know if you are watching them

RockieRV · 01-05-2008, 09:05 AM

Starlings can tell if you are watching them, according to a study that has shown for the first time that starlings respond to a human's gaze.

Could this be exploited to make a better scarecrow? "Starlings do seem to have a reasonably strong aversion to eyes, even to artificial eyes, but these birds are also very quick learners," she says.

"Previous studies have shown that starlings will learn within a matter of hours to ignore even relatively elaborate bird scarers - these devices never do what a real predator would, they don't actually chase the birds or present any other signs of danger, so the birds quickly learn to ignore them."

Full story here

ksebruce · 01-05-2008, 11:09 AM

Our boss was spending a small fortune on imitation owls which were supposed to keep pidgeons away. Till I ponted out one of them with about 40 flying s***e machines huddled round it.

American Dream · 01-05-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockieRV

Starlings can tell if you are watching them, according to a study that has shown for the first time that starlings respond to a human's gaze.

Could this be exploited to make a better scarecrow? "Starlings do seem to have a reasonably strong aversion to eyes, even to artificial eyes, but these birds are also very quick learners," she says.

"Previous studies have shown that starlings will learn within a matter of hours to ignore even relatively elaborate bird scarers - these devices never do what a real predator would, they don't actually chase the birds or present any other signs of danger, so the birds quickly learn to ignore them."

Full story here

They scared the S++T out of this one.

Lindy-C · 01-05-2008, 11:19 AM

Me wandering round the garden clutching an air rifle works every time for starlings, magpies, pigeons, rabbits and any other unwelcome visitors come to think of it

Shades of "Dad's Army" in the Cotswolds.............although I have been dubbed "Elmer Fudd" by the kids!