Birding is one of life's great joys. Birds are very beautiful, and fun to watch, but you have to keep your distance to avoid scaring them. Smart bird feeders – that is, bird feeders with cameras and connected apps – give you a close-up view of your backyard birds through captured images and real-time live views (as long as your Wi-Fi reaches). They have become increasingly popular, and there are plenty of options being released from reputable brands and Amazon clones alike. These are the best bird feeder cameras we've tried.
The apps use AI that can theoretically identify bird species. In our testing, no one had a solid identity at all. Still, each has qualities that may attract you. you can use google lens Or, if you have an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, download the photo to your Camera Roll and Click on the information buttonIt does a solid job of identifying birds. Even though it's a work in progress, now that I've experienced it I don't want to be without a bird feeder camera.
Bird watching is quite accessible as a hobby. You don't need to join any group In fact Buy anything, but if you're interested, we have guides on best binoculars And Best Birding GearWith recommendations of our favorite apps, books, and accessories.
Updated December 2024: We've added NetView Birdfy's Feeder 2 Duo and WE Feeder Duo and updated the links and prices.
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How do we test bird feeders
Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano tested some feeders on a balcony in Texas and in a backyard in Pennsylvania. In Texas, he set them both up on a table and secured them to the railing with the included straps. In Pennsylvania, he used a bracket mount to attach to a pole. WIRED reviewer Kat Merk tested the feeders in a rural-suburban area of southwest Washington. Feeders were either mounted directly to the house with the included bracket mount, or hung from shepherd's hooks mounted on the house's siding.
After setup, we both filled them with bird seed (or a 4-to-1 nectar mixture of granulated sugar and water) and patiently waited for local birds to find them. We checked out all the included app features, looking at how often we got notifications and noting whether they were accurately capturing just birds or any kind of outdoor activity, and how well they captured bird species. Are able to separate. We disassembled and cleaned them, then returned them to their mounts. We test each for at least two weeks, but usually longer than a month.
The most beautiful feeder (and a plastic alternative)
Birdfy from security company Netview Two feeders we recommendThis bamboo looks great at its best, but it does come with a little maintenance. It doesn't have plastic parts like the rest of the feeders on this list, and with its black and natural wood colors, it looks like it belongs in nature. An extendable perch lets multiple birds gather and investigate, and it has two large compartments for different types of seeds or similar seeds. However, the cans are found in the bottom tray. FeatherSnap Feeder Down Use separate bins and trays if you prefer.
Like the other feeders on this list, it can be mounted on a pole or tree or hung from a hook. It comes with a solar panel that you can mount as well, so you'll never have to think about charging the camera's battery.
As beautiful as a bamboo feeder is, it requires maintenance. Birdfy says the feeder has a waterproof rating of IP65 and is mildew and rot-resistant. However, the user manual states that it needs to be sealed. through redditBirdfy recommends sealing using a Bird-Safe Wood SealerI can't comment directly on its durability, because when I tested this feeder I used it on a table on my covered balcony.
Plastic, although not as beautiful as wood, is more durable and easier to clean. Birdfy's Plastic House is another great option to consider, and it's often discounted. Not all bundles come with solar panels, but you can buy it separately,