You guys can try to flame me if you want, but you generally can see large birds in time if weather and background permits.
Coming back to our base in South Texas at 250 knots with a wingman in parade position, I was able to pick out the circling turkey buzzards in front of us in time to gently maneuver away from the flocks. (Smaller birds aren't so critical)
To do this, you need to closely scrutinize the small spot on the windscreen that birds will be emanating from. You also need to have your cheaters working to best efficiency to maximum your ability to pick those little spots out of the background. Then you have to be ready to act instantaneously. Having to disengage an autopilot wastes valuable time.
That is my bird avoidance program.
How you work this into your SOPs is your problem. And yes, I wouldn't take a runway that is bird contaminated already.
Whether or not Sully & Skiles could have seen them in time, I have no opinion. At this point in time it is ancient history.