From above , birds must have a wonderful view of the world below . Flying over everything at such a height gives them a rare ability to see many things . In English , we use the term “bird's eye view ” to describe a view from above as if seen by a bird in flight . It is also described as an “overall view ” or “big picture view .” For example , when I start a project , I first like to get a bird's eye view . I ask myself several important questions : What is the overall goal ? Who is the main focus ? What resources do I have available to me ? Answers to these “big picture ” questions can help me understand the scope of the project . Now , let's talk about noticing the smaller details . Some birds , called raptors , are known for their extremely sharp vision . Eagles , hawks , and owls can see their prey from very far away . The Raptor Center is part of the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine . Eagles and hawks also have a special bone structure around their eyes that protects them from bright sunlight . Their ability to focus on faraway details in addition to other factors make them extremely effective hunters . In English , the keen vision of eagles and hawks describes a certain type of person . If you have an eagle eye , you have the ability to see or notice distant objects . Also , you observe everything , even very small details which others might miss . On the same note , someone who is hawk-eyed watches and notices everything that happens . These types of people may even perceive things that are not clear to others . A person does not have to have this ability all the time . They might use their keen vision and powers of observation only at certain times , especially times when they need to keep a close watch . For example , during Christmastime , hawk-eyed children might search the sky looking for Santa Claus . These children may not be very observant during the rest of the year , but during Christmastime , they are looking for gifts . Let's hear these terms used between two friends . This is a great party . Thanks for inviting me . The more the merrier ! This yearly neighborhood party always draws a huge number of people . I'd say so ! There must be over a hundred people here ! Hey , wait a minute . I think I see our old co-worker . Isn't that Samantha way over there by the food and drinks ? I don't know . I can't see that far . My eagle eyes don't miss a thing . I'm going to go say hi and grab the last hamburger while I'm there . Oh , and you should let the hosts know that they're low on drinks . I didn't realize you were so hawk-eyed . Only at parties . I start off with a bird's eye view and then focus in on the food , drinks , and people I want to see more closely . The term “eagle eye ” has been used for hundreds of years . Word experts say it was first used in writing in the mid-1500s . The Oxford English Dictionary website says the “earliest evidence for ‘eagle eye ’ is from 1567 , in the writing of Thomas Stapleton , a Roman Catholic theologian .” A theologian is an expert in religious thought .