Birds of prey have a true intesity to their gaze! The impression could be a left-over remnant from when our ancestors were regarded as a source of food for their ancestors!
I was fortunate to come across a few falconers that had brought their birds to Osaka castle last weekend, I don't think there was a bird of prey specific event or they had just brought them to give the birds a change of scenery.
I hope you're having a wonderful day!