See who's visiting your backyard by using a high-tech bird feeder with a camera! Here's why you should add a smart bird feeder to your yard.
Boost Bird Feeding Excitement With a Smart Bird Feeder
Published on Mar. 12, 2025
Whether you’re an avid birder who goes out every day during migration or you’re more of a backyard feeder-filler, smart bird feeders bring you closer to nature — and to the birds themselves through adorable photos and videos. The idea of using and installing a smart feeder can seem daunting at first if you’re unfamiliar with the technology, but our readers say they’re fun and easy to operate.
Here’s why you should consider adding a smart bird feeder to your yard, as well as reviews from Birds & Blooms field editors and readers about the pros and cons of their own smart feeders.
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What Is a Smart Bird Feeder?
Put simply, a smart bird feeder usually refers to a feeder that has a camera attached to it. The camera connects to a smartphone through an app.
If you use or have heard of a Ring doorbell, you can think of smart feeders in a similar way. When a bird lands on the feeder, the camera takes a picture. Then, the feeder transmits the photo or video to your app, and typically, you’ll also get a notification that a visitor has stopped by.
While some users comment on being flooded with notifications from the app once birds find their feeder, it can be helpful to note that most smart bird feeder apps offer the option to reduce or turn off notifications completely.
Certain feeders also incorporate AI technology to identify your bird for you — although if you’re an avid birder, you can probably handle that yourself.
How Much Do Smart Bird Feeders Cost?
Typically, these feeders tend to run anywhere from $100 to $300, with certain models priced slightly lower or higher.
Popular, well-reviewed brands include Bird Buddy and Birdfy. They offer “traditional” smart feeders that you fill with birdseed, as well as hummingbird feeders.
Other add-on accessories include suet ball holders, perch extenders, and shields or seed guards.
For some smart feeders, using AI technology to identify birds adds an additional monthly subscription cost.
How Do Smart Bird Feeders Work?
Most smart feeders operate their camera with a rechargeable battery. In some cases, a solar panel powers the battery, so you may not need to manually remove and recharge it.
Battery life varies by brand, feeder, and the level of use the feeder gets (more birds equals more photos!).
Birds & Blooms Readers Review Smart Feeders
Birds Love It, but Not Squirrel Proof
“I got mine for Christmas. I really enjoy watching the birds come to eat. So far it has been sturdy, but I’m afraid a squirrel will break it.” — reader Cindy Mengert
Difficult to Remove the Battery
“I love the peek at the wildlife in my backyard, but to take it off the mount to charge the battery, you need to unscrew some hard-to-reach screws. I’ve lost two in the flowers and had to find substitutions.” — reader Carla Wells
Too Many Notifications
“I have the Soliom Pro [smart bird feeder], and I love it! It is solar charged, but I can also plug it in to electricity to charge. It charges with daylight, so even on a cloudy day, it charges. I love seeing the birds that come and the short videos. The only downside was that I had to turn off notifications for it. I was getting so many! I still can go into the app that sends the videos and watch them, but I don’t get notifications for them now. I’ve gotten all kinds of birds, which is so cool!” — reader Teresa Ackerman Kalmey
Birds & Blooms Field Editors Review Smart Feeders
Solar Roof Extends Battery Life
“I’ve owned a Bird Buddy for several years. I have the solar roof model, as it significantly adds to the camera charge life. I love it! My family members have signed up in the easy-to-use app and enjoy getting messages announcing, ‘You’ve had a visitor!’ Bird Buddy recognizes virtually every common bird that comes to the feeder and even recognizes squirrels. The pictures from the remote camera are very clear, and since the birds are so close to the lens, the videos are fun to watch.” — Field Editor Amy Williams
Fun to See Bird Visitors
“I bought the Bird Buddy to give as a gift. It had a solar panel roof. The recipient sent me a link so I could check what was coming to eat, and it was fun to see the different birds. I am thinking about buying one and putting it so I can see the orioles that come to my grape jelly feeders.” — Field Editor Linda Barnes
