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There’s something about watching different kinds of birds flit and flutter around your yard that never gets old. It’s therapeutic for most. But recently, I started noticing these “smart” bird feeders popping up everywhere. The ones with cameras built in? At first, I thought it’s just a bird feeder. But then I watched some videos and read reviews, and I was blown away. It legit feels like you’re sitting front row at a nature documentary, but without having to leave your house.
These feeders hold seeds, and you can get up-close shots of your backyard visitors. Some of these feeders even let you watch them live, which is honestly kind of addictive. It’s pretty cool, especially if you’re someone who spends a little too much time scrolling through nature videos online. And with the recent releases at CES, you can have a ton of options to choose from.
If you’re into birds or just want to see more of what’s happening in your backyard, keep reading. I’ve got the lowdown on the best bird feeder cameras out there.
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Who Did It First?
Chances are, you might have heard of Bird Buddy. They’re the ones who introduced the whole AI-powered bird feeder trend. It all started back in 2021 when they dropped the world’s first smart bird feeder. This feeder identifies the birds for you and sends all that cool information straight to your phone.
At CES 2023, they showed off two new products: the Smart Hummingbird Feeder and Smart Bird Bath. The hummingbird feeder? It’s wild to even think about. Those little guys move so fast, but this feeder lets you catch them in action with crystal-clear photos and videos. And the bird bath captures all the action, giving you more footage of all kinds of birds coming through your yard.
What makes Bird Buddy stand out from the crowd, though, is how they’ve built a community around all of this. They didn’t just throw a product out there and call it a day. They launched it on Kickstarter and had thousands of bird lovers backing them. Even better, they listened to all that feedback from their community and used it to improve their tech. People helped shape the app, picked the features they wanted, and even beta-tested the products. Bird Buddy’s basically nailed it. And in doing so, they’re helping people get up-close and personal with birds in a way we never thought possible.
Our Top Picks
Here are some of the options leading the charge:
Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo
The Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo takes the bird-watching camera to the next level with two cameras instead of one. The main camera offers a wide-angle view and a closer shot, while a second camera on the side gives you a better angle for larger birds. The second camera isn’t as high-quality as the main one, but it still provides a decent view.
It connects to your Wi-Fi, and the AI identifies the birds visiting your feeder through the Birdfy app. The notifications are pretty timely, so you won’t miss much, though the AI does occasionally mess up bird IDs. The video quality is solid, with full HD footage from the main camera and 2K from the close-up one.
Battery life is decent, lasting about a week or two depending on activity, and you can extend it with a solar panel, which comes with the feeder. The camera is weatherproof, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it outside in rain or snow. However, it’s not completely squirrel-proof. If you’ve got squirrels around, expect them to get to the food, and the built-in alarm doesn’t do much to stop them.
At $420, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s the most comprehensive bird feeder camera system out there. If that’s your thing and you want a better view of your garden’s wildlife, the Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo is a good pick. If you’re on a budget, though, you might want to consider the Birdfy 2 or 2 Pro, which are cheaper and offer similar features.
Netvue Birdfy Feeder AI
The Netvue Birdfy Feeder AI is a solid choice if you’re looking for a bird feeder camera that’s easy to set up and comes packed with features. It’s made from sturdy plastic, which might not blend in as naturally as a wooden feeder, but it’s tough and durable enough to handle all sorts of weather. The star of this camera is its AI-powered bird identification system, which sends real-time notifications whenever a bird, or even a squirrel shows up. The camera captures sharp Full HD video, and the AI does a pretty good job at recognizing birds. The app is user-friendly and gives you those instant alerts, so you won’t miss any visitors.
When it comes to mounting options, Netvue offers a variety of mounts, including a strap for hanging it on trees or poles. This makes it super flexible for different setups in your garden. Battery life is another advantage, lasting a solid week or more, depending on how active your feeder is. And if you’re looking for a more hands-off experience, you can add a solar panel to keep it powered up without having to worry about recharging.
One downside, though, is that the AI recognition isn’t always spot-on, and while the camera’s sturdy, the plastic build might not suit everyone’s taste if you prefer a more rustic look. At $260, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but if you want something with decent AI recognition and solid performance, it’s a safe option.
FeatherSnap Scout Smart Bird Feeder
The FeatherSnap Scout Smart Bird Feeder is a good pick for those looking for an affordable bird-watching experience, but it’s still working out the kinks with its AI. Launched in June 2024, the AI can identify birds, but it’s not as sharp as others like the Birdfy or Bird Buddy. It tends to give you a list of possible bird species, which works well for obvious ones like cardinals, but when it comes to finches or less common birds, it can miss the mark.
The cool part is that you can manually add birds to your bird book if you recognize them, and the AI seems to be improving the more people use it. However, the downside is that to unlock any features beyond the live view, you’ll need to subscribe to their $7/month or $60/year plan.
What I like about the FeatherSnap is that it’s reasonably priced compared to other smart feeders. It also comes with a solar roof included, so you don’t have to deal with buying a separate solar panel like with the Birdfy. The feeder’s design is pretty smart, with a perch that extends and two seed bins, so you can attract different types of birds. The camera works well for capturing both birds and people (though it lumps them together as “visitors”), but you might get a few photos of empty feeders each day, likely triggered by trees swaying in the wind. Another downside is that there’s no night vision, so nighttime bird-watching is off the table.
Harymor AI Bird Feeder
The Harymor AI Bird Feeder is currently available at just $110, after a $60 discount. The feeder includes a built-in 120° wide-angle camera that captures full HD photos, videos, and even audio of the birds visiting. You get instant notifications with high-res shots and clips right to your phone. It works day and night, and the camera has solid low-light capabilities.
The Harymor feeder is also weatherproof, featuring an IP65-rated funnel design that keeps the food safe and dry in rain or snow. It holds up to 2 liters of seed, so you won’t be constantly refilling it. The camera has a long-lasting 5200mAh battery, plus solar panels for extra power, meaning fewer recharges. As for connectivity, it hooks up to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for a nice live feed.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the feeder can recognize over 10,000 bird species, you’ll need a $2.99/month subscription for the AI to identify them. But the app is cool, it lets multiple people share the bird-watching experience and post on social media if you want to show off your new friends. There are add-ons like a fruit holder and hummingbird feeder to make your setup even more attractive to a variety of birds.
Soliom BF08
The Soliom BF08 smart bird feeder is hands down the toughest of the bunch. It’s built like a tank, made from metal and acrylic, and it’s noticeably heavier than the other feeders we have mentioned above. The roof locks securely, and both the roof and perch screw in tightly, so there’s no risk of parts falling off. The wide opening makes refilling the feeder super easy without any mess, and it holds a lot of bird food. The pan where the seeds sit is designed so that even bigger nuts won’t get stuck.
Mounting the Soliom is a bit difficult. It comes with a bracket, so you can easily attach it to a tree (recommended putting 5 feet off the ground). However, the screws that come with it won’t the easiest to drill into the tree, which could be a bit of a hassle. On the upside, the feeder held up well when squirrels and raccoons showed up, staying securely mounted without any damage to the feeder itself.
When it comes to camera performance, the Soliom BF08 delivers in all kinds of lighting conditions, so you won’t miss out on any bird action. However, one thing to note is that it doesn’t support 5GHz Wi-Fi, so you’ll need to use 2.4GHz for the camera to work.
As for the app, you have a choice. You can either use the VicoHome app (used by other smart feeders) or Soliom’s own app. After reading reviews of both, I recommend using the Soliom app. It’s way easier to understand and offers decent bird recognition. You can stream live video, and the app saves video clips of your visitors.
Tips Every Bird Lover Should Know
Keep these things in mind if you want your birds to keep visiting:
Keep It Clean, Always
No one wants to serve their birds a side of mold or germs. Dirty feeders can make birds sick or spread diseases. Every couple of weeks, give your feeder a good scrub with warm, soapy water. Then, soak it in either a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or vinegar (equal parts with water). Rinse it really well and let it dry completely before refilling. If there’s a bird flu outbreak or you notice birds looking off, take the feeder down until things settle.
If you’re getting a hummingbird feeder, know that it’s not a “set it and forget it” situation. You’ll need to clean it every two to three days, especially if it’s sunny, since nectar can spoil fast and hurt the birds. Bacteria can cause their tongues to swell, it’s as awful as it sounds. Ditch the red-dyed nectar; it’s not proven safe and isn’t necessary. Instead, grab a feeder with red parts or, better yet, plant flowers they love. No cleaning required!
Don’t Forget the Water
Birds don’t just need food, they need fresh water, too, for drinking and splashing around. A birdbath is a great addition, and yes, it needs cleaning too (sorry). While you’re at it, consider throwing up a birdhouse. Give them a full-on bird resort experience.
Patience Is Key
Don’t be discouraged if the birds don’t show up right away. They need time to find the feeder and trust it’s not a trap. If you’re still birdless after a few weeks, try moving the feeder or swapping out the seed. Different birds like different setups, so experiment a little. It’s worth it when they finally start showing up.
Ready to Wing It?
So there you have it, your backyard bird paparazzi. Pick one that fits your budget and your style, set it up in a spot with good visibility, and watch it turn into your new hobby. Who knows? You might even start naming your regulars.
For more nature-inspired tech, head over to Inside Tech World today!
FAQs
How do I attract specific bird species to my feeder?
Different birds prefer different seeds and feeder types. For example, finches love nyjer seeds, while cardinals prefer sunflower seeds. Adding native plants or flowers to your yard can also help attract specific species.
Are smart bird feeders squirrel-proof?
Not all smart bird feeders are squirrel-proof. Some come with features like alarms or baffles to deter squirrels, but most require additional accessories or clever placement to keep the critters at bay.
Can I use these feeders in extreme weather conditions?
Many smart bird feeders are weather-resistant, but their performance may vary in extreme temperatures. Cold climates might drain the battery faster, and intense heat could affect the electronics. Look for IP65-rated feeders for durability.
Do I need a Wi-Fi connection for all features?
Yes, most smart feeders need a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection for live-streaming, notifications, and AI identification. However, some features, like offline video recording, may still work without Wi-Fi.
Is a subscription necessary for AI bird identification?
Not always. While some feeders, like the Harymor or Bird Buddy, charge for premium AI identification, others might offer basic recognition for free. Check the product details to see what’s included.
