Bird Buddy Review: Smart Bird Feeder & Camera
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My interest in birds began as a little girl but it was reignited when the pandemic hit and we were all in lock down at home. I turned to nature during that time, which helped me feel more at peace during such a hectic time. When I discovered Bird Buddy I instantly got excited about the possibilities.
Bird Buddy is inventing bird feeders, bird baths, and more to provide unique, close-up photos of birds and give information to learn more about each type. Think of it as a culmination of smart home technology meets avian watching. Each time a bird visits the feeder, a smartphone notification is sent with a photo/video, and the app identifies each bird to give more information about it.
Bird Buddy sent me one of their Smart Bird Feeders to test out and share my experience with our readers.
What Is Bird Buddy?
Founded in 2020, Bird Buddy created an AI-powered Smart Bird Feeder and quickly soared to the top 1% of Kickstarter campaigns. The company went through many obstacles, including COVID-19, supply chain issues, and manufacturing issues. Still, they always kept their patrons informed on their progress and status. Now, the company is expanding its offerings with a Smart Hummingbird Feeder (set to ship in June 2024) and prototypes for a Smart Bird Bath and Pole Mounting System. Bird Buddy is still in the early stages of testing various prototypes and is highly receptive to user feedback.
Bird Buddy Review
Product Name: Bird Buddy
Product Description: Learn more about the birds that come into your yard with Bird Buddy, a bird feeder with a built-in camera.
Summary
Bird Buddy is creating an outdoor oasis with its smart feeders. The app shares fascinating information about birds, and you can “visit” other bird feeders around the world. The equipment has a modern look and is easy to set up.
Overall
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Technology
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App Performance
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Price
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Customer Support
Pros
- Up to 3 people can be connected to a feeder through the app (up to 10 with Bird Buddy Pro subscription)
- 30-day returns, 2 year warranty
- Responsive to customer reviews for the app
- Appears to have many products in the works (bird bath, pole mount system, woodpecker feeder, platform feeder)
- Shares a lot of information about the different avian species that visit you
- Videos include sound
Cons
- Battery lasts 5-15 days depending on your use unless you have the solar version (charges in 2-4 hours via USB cable)
- Bird identification isn’t always accurate
- Must sign up for Bird Buddy Pro for 1080p image quality
Consumer Reviews
This is the aggregate score of reader reviews we’ve received. Have a good or bad experience with Bird Buddy? Feel free to leave your own review in the comments. Only ratings with valid review content will be published and counted.
Bird Feeder & Hummingbird Feeder Key Features
- AI-powered camera identifies avian visitors
- Weather-resistant design
- Highly rated app with educational information for each species that visits
- HD photos and live streaming
- Capture close-ups of birds that are hard to get
- Made from recyclable plastic housing and designed for birds’ safety
- Solar roof add-on extends the power to get more pictures
- Rear door on the Bird Feeder snaps open and shut for refilling
- Hang or use the bottom mount with a pole, wall, or fence
- Camera module can be switched between feeders
I suggest splurging on the solar roof. Without it, you’ll be responsible for bringing it inside to charge every 5-15 days, depending on how much your feeder is used. Having the solar roof and not worrying about the camera battery dying is worth the extra money.
Bird Buddy Pricing
Smart Bird Feeder is available in blue or yellow and starts at Check Amazon for availability . There are many add-ons available, including:
- Solar roof: $239.00
- Wall mount: $29.00
- 3-in-1 nutrition set: $39.00
- Perch extender: $29.00
- Suet ball holder: $19.00
The Smart Hummingbird Feeder, launched in February 2024, is available in limited quantities. It is red (the perfect color for attracting hummingbirds) and starts at $289. Similar to the Bird Feeder, you can upgrade the feeder to include a solar roof (which I highly recommend!).
You can also purchase your bird seeds from Bird Buddy in 8lb bags for $26.90 or 20lb bags for $44.90. The seeds in your feeder impact the types of birds that will visit you. There is a seed subscription, Seasonal Curations, which curates the best seeds based on the time of year. Birds need a fat-rich diet in the winter and benefit from a diverse diet in the summer, so the subscription supports their dietary needs based on the season.
The table below shows which birds are attracted to Bird Buddy’s seed options.
Buddy Bites | Avian Choice | Snack n’ Soar | |
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Perfect For | Bigger Birds | Migration Season | Young Bird Development |
Attracts | Bluejays Woodpeckers Wrens | Doves Warblers Buntings Juncos | Finches Titmice Cardinals |
Ingredients | Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Safflower Seeds Sunflower Hearts Roasted Peanuts | Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Safflower Seeds Cracked Corn Millet Wheat Oats | Black Oil Sunflower Seeds |
Bird Buddy Pro Subscription
Bird Buddy Pro is a subscription that unlocks all remote feeders and lets you connect to another feeder for an unlimited time. The annual subscription includes a 7-day free trial and is $59.99 per year, saving you 17% on the monthly plan at $5.99 per month ($71.88 total). You can cancel your subscription anytime.
I upgraded to the Bird Buddy Pro subscription, which includes 1080p resolution. I’m so glad I did because there are instances where 1080p isn’t enough, and photos aren’t as crisp. Without Bird Buddy Pro, you get 720p HD resolution.
I can also share my feeder with 10 others and invite them to see my bird visitors. It has been fun for me to share and discuss this with family and neighbors who enjoy bird-watching.
Tech Specs
Below are some Bird Feeder and Hummingbird Feeder specifications, including size, weight, camera details, etc.
Bird Feeder | Hummingbird Feeder | |
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Height | 9 inches | N/A |
Width | 6.3 inches | N/A |
Depth | 6.89 inches | N/A |
Seed/Nectar Capacity | 3.8 cups | 1.75 cups |
Unfilled/Filled Weight | 1.32/2.54 pounds | N/A |
Resolution | 5-megapixel photos 720p HD video 1080p available w/ Bird Buddy Pro subscription | 5-megapixel photos 720p HD video 1080p available w/ Bird Buddy Pro subscription |
Field Of View | 120° | 120° |
Power | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
Connectivity | 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth | 2.4 GHz & Bluetooth |
Operating Temperature | -5°F to 120°F | -5°F to 120°F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we get asked about the Bird Buddy. If you don’t see your question, reach out in the comments.
Is Bird Buddy Easy To Set Up?
Set up was a breeze. I was nervous about where to place my feeder because I wanted to ensure it had a strong Wifi signal. Bird Buddy thought of that and has some tips to guide you on the best locations for the feeder, including a Wifi signal strength test.
How Can I Optimize Photo Quality?
Several things impact the quality of your photo. Here are some tips for getting the best pictures from Bird Buddy.
- Upgrade to Bird Buddy Pro for 1080p HD instead of 720p HD.
- Position your feeder facing north or south. My feeder faces east, and lighting can be an issue with the early morning sun, which is a popular time for my bird feeder. I’ve been playing around with locations for my feeder and plan on mounting it once I am happy with the lighting for photos.
- Clean the camera area after it rains.
- Move the feeder closer to your Wifi router to improve the connection and prevent pixelation.
What About The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Bath?
Bird Buddy is working on a Smart Bird Bath prototype so you can see avian visitors go for a swim, take a drink, or rest along the side in between flights.
What About Bird Buddy’s Pole Mounting System?
The Pole Mounting System is only available to ship to some locations. Still, it has many cool features, including docking up to five devices/feeders, a modular design to fit your personal needs, a squirrel baffle, and a pollinator planter base.
What About Bird Buddy’s Smart Woodpecker Feeder?
I’ve seen Bird Buddy share information about a Smart Woodpecker Feeder on their Facebook page. The prototype looks like it holds suet blocks for woodpeckers to enjoy.
What About Bird Buddy’s Smart Platform Feeder?
Bird Buddy’s Smart Platform Feeder prototype has appeared on their Facebook page. It appears to be extremely versatile, holding seeds, peanuts, corn cobs, and more for birds or squirrels to enjoy.
Would I Recommend Bird Buddy?
Absolutely! I know it’s a higher cost than regular bird feeders, but if you or a loved one enjoy bird-watching, then this is a fun purchase. It would make an excellent Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift for parents or grandparents. It works for all ages, too.
Bird watching is often considered a hobby for retired individuals. However, my 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son regularly ask if any birds visited us today. They’re curious to learn about the different species and enjoy helping me fill the feeder with more bird seed.
We especially enjoy the cardinals who visit us. Here’s a short video showing the video quality, and you can even hear the seeds crunching and some chirping in the background. I’m impressed with the sound quality.
How Does Bird Buddy Compare?
Many smart bird feeders have appeared in crowdfunding campaigns, and ultimately, some have made their way onto the market. But Bird Buddy is the most promising with its sound structure, camera quality, and the added information the app provides to teach you more about birds.
To help keep birds visiting your yard, assess your lawn care routine. Many professional lawn care companies use harsh chemicals that are dangerous for birds, humans, and our planet. I’ve compared some of the best DIY lawn care programs.
Why Trust We Rock Your Web?
Kimberly is a nature enthusiast. Anything related to the outdoors she is often fascinated by. From lawn care to gardening to bird watching, she loves it all. She first became interested in birds during the pandemic in 2020. She really dove into her yard space and found a great deal of joy in it. When she heard about Bird Buddy, she was instantly intrigued. Unfortunately, Kimberly’s mother passed away in 2017 from ALS. Bluejays take Kimberly back to her childhood when she recalls her mother pointing out a bluejay in the backyard and saying how beautiful they were. That memory stuck with Kimberly; now, when she sees a bluejay, she considers it a sign that her mother is with her.