I recently received a very thoughtful gift. I was given a Bird Snap video/audio bird feeder. My children set it up within minutes, including the app on my phone, and installed the feeder on my deck near my existing cluster of bird feeders. Such a fun and modern way to watch the birds at my feeder, whether I'm home or not.
I was gifted the Bird Snap bird feeder with camera and solar panel offered on Amazon. There are many, many versions of video feeders offered with a variety of prices and options.
Fellow Review This Reviews contributor Mary Beth Granger reviews and recommends the Smart Bird Feeder Camera that she was given last year. You can see her review here. I had thought about buying myself a Bird Feeder Camera on her recommendation then but it was one of those wish list items that I didn't end up buying for myself.
Bird Snap Camera Bird Feeder
There are many brands and versions of bird feeders with varying degrees of video and audio capability. I am hoping that with my review of my set-up, you'll be able to consider which options are important in the feeder camera you choose.
- Motion detection
- Live video
- Live audio and Two-Way audio
- 160 degree wide viewing angle
- Real-time notifications
- TF card included
- Solar panel and cord
- IP65 Weather proof
- 1.8L bird seed capacity
- detachable liquid nectar holders (hummingbirds); fruit holders (orioles, etc)
- Free app for viewing and downloading videos and/or activating the live camera.
- Optional AI bird identification subscription
The phone app allows for a variety of choices (with no subscription fees): live video, review of videos on the cloud or TF card, downloads to your phone gallery, an alarm, real-time audio (listening) and real-time audio (speaking from my phone to the outdoors), sleep option, and ability to snap photos.
There is an AI Bird Identification subscription that can be purchased to identify the species of birds that visit your feeder. I have not subscribed and cannot comment on this feature.
My Thoughts - Dual Purpose (Bird Watching AND Security)
After my Bird Snap was set up, I noted the very wide angle. And initially, I thought I would move the camera in order to exclude my "working homestead" area from view; chicken coop, lawn mower, water catchment, and other "clutter". After all, in general, we are often encouraged to share images that are pretty and "Instagrammable". Fortunately, I am often slow to do things on my to-do list. Before I re-positioned the bird feeder camera, I realized that motion near the chicken coop and in my driveway (both at the house and near the road) was being recorded. If I do decide to move the feeder, I will likely move it to have a better view of my driveway and the front of my house; clutter be darned. Similar to a security camera at a person's door bell, I would be able to see, record, and speak to anyone coming and going.
So far, aside from showing my cluttered work area to the world, I've only had two initial hesitations about this product. 1) even though it was placed next to my existing cluster of bird feeders, it seemed to take awhile for the birds to trust and visit this new feeder. I believe they could hear, feel, or see the motion from the camera activating causing them to fly away before the video started. 2) During a very windy day, I received notifications on my phone all day. But that was user error, as I had forgotten that I could set "sleep" on the feeder remotely, and eliminate all of those leaf-blown notifications.
The birds now seem to be braving the new feeder without hesitation. And I know that on windy days to "sleep" the feeder to stop the excessive notifications.
Preferred Bird Seed
I love bird-watching and have done it for years. I am not expert at bird identification but I can easily recognize the regulars around here. I am excited to try to lure the Orioles and other fruit eating birds next year! Meanwhile, I offer a variety of bird seed here to try to attract a variety of birds. I have noticed the trend that the Nut and Fruit blends are preferred.
Video clips from my Bird Snap; showing both birds at the feeder as well as things happening near the chicken coop.
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