Buying guide for Best smart bird feeders
Bird-watching is a fun hobby for adults and children alike, and you don’t need to leave your home to do it. If you set up a bird feeder, you can attract plenty of feathered friends to your yard. However, if you upgrade to a smart bird feeder, you’ll have even more opportunities to enjoy the birds that come to eat.
A smart feeder is similar to a regular bird feeder that you fill with birdseed, but it’s equipped with a camera that enables you to see the birds up close without disturbing them. It also sends an alert to your smartphone to let you know when the birds arrive. Some of these devices can also identify the birds to let you know what species are in your yard. Some also let you see the birds at night and zoom in to see finer details.
A good buying guide and recommendations can help you find the smart bird feeder that fits your yard, with the power source and camera quality you prefer, as well as range, mount, battery duration, and other features.
How to buy the best smart bird feeder
Are smart bird feeders worth the money?
If you already have a traditional bird feeder, you might be wondering if a smart feeder is worth the added expense. It depends on your interests and preferences. Some of the benefits of a smart bird feeder include the following:
- It alerts you when birds are at the feeder, so you’ll never miss a visit.
- It lets you see what type of seeds certain bird species prefer so you can attract the birds to your yard.
- It makes it easier to observe the birds in greater detail without disturbing them.
- It lets you check if the feeder needs refilling or cleaning without going outside.
Power source
Some smart bird feeders run on batteries. They’re easy to replace, but you have the added expense of buying new batteries periodically. Other feeders have a rechargeable battery that you charge with a USB cable. However, you’ll have to remove the battery and bring it inside to recharge it.
You can also find some smart feeders powered by a solar battery. However, solar-powered feeders must be positioned in a sunny area, and they might not have enough energy to operate on overcast or cloudy days.
It’s essential to think about how long the feeder’s battery will run before it requires recharging. Some models can go for weeks, but the best models can run for several months before needing to be recharged.
Camera quality
To get the most out of a smart bird feeder, you want one with a high-quality camera. Look for a feeder with a resolution of 1080p, or full HD, to ensure you have a clear view of the birds.
Some cameras have a zoom function that lets you clearly see the smallest details of your feathered friends. If you have birds that visit at night, you might also want to look for a feeder with a camera that has a night vision setting.
IP rating
Because your smart bird feeder will be outside, you might be concerned about possible damage from rain and snow. Check the bird feeder’s Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which tells you how waterproof and dustproof a device is.
The IP rating includes two numbers: the first indicates how dustproof the feeder is and the second tells you how waterproof it is. The higher the numbers, the more protected the feeder is from the elements. Opt for a smart bird feeder rated IP65 or higher to ensure the best protection.
Staff Tip
Squirrels are the worst culprits when it comes to raiding bird feeders. They can jump as high as 8 feet and leap about 5 feet horizontally, so try to position your smart bird feeder in a spot where they can’t reach it.
Staff
BestReviews
Features to look for in smart bird feeders
Range
Because these feeders use WiFi to send alerts and display video on your smartphone, you want a model with a large enough range to connect to your home WiFi network. For many feeders, the range is approximately 40 to 100 feet, so think about how far from your home you plan to place your feeder.
Mount
Some smart bird feeders only allow for one type of mount requiring you to mount it to a tree or wall in the yard. Other models offer multiple mounting options, so you can strap it around a tree, mount it to a wall, or hang it from a hook on a tree branch. The more mounting options, the more places in your yard you can place the feeder.
Capacity
Most smart feeders hold less birdseed than traditional feeders, but there is some variation between models. If you don’t want to be constantly refilling the feeder, choose a larger model that can hold plenty of seed.
Bird identification
Some smart bird feeders don’t just enable you to see videos or images of the birds that visit your feeder, they also identify the species so you can learn more about your feathered friends. These feeders have a library with thousands of bird species to draw upon. Some even provide additional information about each species via a connected app so that you can learn about the local bird population.
Memory
While you can see live video of the birds at your feeder with any smart feeder, some also include an SD card slot. It lets you save videos of the birds so you can show them off to friends and family. You can even take screenshots of the birds and post them on social media to share with other bird enthusiasts.
Subscription
Some smart bird feeders require a monthly subscription to store video images or access the app. For some people, this feature is worth the added expense. However, it’s important to consider the monthly fee when evaluating the price of a feeder.
Some smart bird feeders with an identification feature use it to aid conservation efforts. The data goes to an open-source database that tracks bird migration and sightings to help protect the populations.
Staff
BestReviews
Accessories for a smart bird feeder
Bird bath
Putting a bird bath in your yard is another effective way to attract birds. Not only does it help the bird population, but it also adds a striking decorative element to your garden. You can choose from many styles and materials to find the perfect option for your home.
Bird nests
Bird nests can provide nesting birds with a comfortable spot to raise their young and make your yard even more friendly to your avian friends. Make sure that any nest you buy is meant for outdoor use and will stand up to the elements.
How much do smart bird feeders cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable models are those with a lower-quality camera. They usually don’t have night vision, zoom, or autofocus features and can’t hold much birdseed. These feeders generally cost $25 to $70.
Mid-range
These smart bird feeders have higher-quality cameras with at least 1080p resolution. Many have special features like night vision and zoom and can hold a larger amount of birdseed. These feeders generally cost $70 to $145.
Expensive
The most expensive smart bird feeders have high-quality cameras with at least 1080p resolution. They include special features like night vision, zoom, and autofocus and hold a large amount of birdseed. Many have a bird identification feature in the connected app. These feeders generally cost $145 to $275.
Staff Tip
Sunflower seeds typically attract the widest range of birds, so look for birdseed with a high concentration of them.
Staff
BestReviews
Tips
- Refill the feeder regularly. If your feeder remains empty for several days, the birds might stop returning to your yard.
- Don’t use cheap birdseed in your feeder. Inexpensive birdseed can be full of fillers like oats, wheat, and cracked corn, which many birds don’t like. They tend to toss it on the ground and make a mess in your yard.
- Protect your feeder from other wildlife. Squirrels, rats, raccoons, deer, and bears are known to raid bird feeders and do damage in the process. Take measures to ensure that the feeder is in a location where it isn’t easy for other wildlife to access.
- Clean the feeder regularly. Birds can get sick from a dirty feeder and spread disease to others in the flock. Clean your feeder every two to three weeks to make sure it’s free of bacteria and germs.
FAQ
Q. Do I need a WiFi connection to use a smart bird feeder?
A. A smart bird feeder does require a WiFi connection. It uses the connection to send the video from the feeder to the connected app so you can check out the birds on your smartphone or other device.
Q. Do smart bird feeders record sound?
A. Some do record audio so you can hear the birds chirp or sing. However, many are video only. If hearing the birds that visit your home is important to you, make sure to check the product description for any model you’re considering to make sure it provides audio.
Q. Should I leave a smart bird feeder out in extreme weather?
A. Smart feeders are weatherproof, but the IP rating varies from model to model. No matter how protected your feeder is, it’s usually a good idea to bring it inside in extreme weather. If the forecast calls for a severe storm like a hurricane or heavy snow, you’ll likely want to store your feeder indoors to keep it safe.
