Birdy Smart Bird Feeder with Bamboo and FHD Camera Review

At GearBrain, we have covered smart homes, smart devices, wearables, and even smart pet devices, including a smart pet door. Recently, we came across a unique smart device, a smart bird feeder. If you are a bird enthusiast or nature lover, a smart bird feeder with a camera offers several benefits, including a way to relieve stress and engage with wildlife right out your window. Birdfy, a maker of smart bird feeders, sent us their Birdfy Feeder Bamboo, which comes with an FHD camera to test. Here is what we learned from testing this smart bird feeder.

What is Birdy Smart Bird Feeder with Bamboo and FHD Camera?

Transform your garden into a vibrant bird sanctuary with the Birdy Feeder Bamboo, the ultimate smart bird feeder for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Designed with sustainability in mind, this feeder features a green design that integrates beautifully into natural settings. It is also straightforward to install and completely wire-free.

The Birdy Feeder Bamboo comes equipped with a large seed bin that reduces the need for frequent refills, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted bird watching. Its natural bamboo construction enhances its aesthetic appeal and ensures it blends seamlessly with your garden's environment.

Capture every flutter and chirp in stunning clarity with the integrated 1080p Full HD camera, which boasts a wide 155-degree field of view. This high-definition camera allows for detailed observations of local aviary visitors, making every sighting a more engaging experience. Powered by a robust 5000mAh rechargeable battery and an IP66 waterproof rating, this feeder is built to endure diverse weather conditions without compromising performance.

Its advanced AI Recognition Camera automatically identifies over 6,000 bird species, setting the Birdy Feeder Bamboo apart. Say goodbye to guesswork; this smart technology enhances bird-watching by providing real-time, accurate species identification, ensuring every visit to your feeder is a learning opportunity.

The feeder also includes a generous 30 days of cloud storage, allowing you to save and revisit your favorite moments. The free iOS and Android-compatible app enriches the experience, offering instant access to your feeder's camera feed and data from anywhere.

Another standout feature is an intelligent feeding system, which dispenses bird food at pre-set intervals to maintain a steady food supply. This automated system not only attracts a variety of bird species but also supports a healthy and active bird population right in your backyard.

Crafted for unparalleled durability, the Birdy Feeder Bamboo stands up to various outdoor elements, promising years of reliable use and enjoyment. It's not just a bird feeder; it's a durable and delightful gateway to exploring the wonders of nature, making every day an adventure. Whether you're a seasoned birder or love watching wildlife, the Birdy Feeder Bamboo offers an unparalleled window into the natural world.

How to set up your Birdfy smart bird feeder.

Setting up and mounting a Birdfy smart bird feeder is relatively easy. Here's a detailed guide to help you understand the setup and enjoy your new smart bird-watching companion.

What You'll Need:

• Birdy Smart Bird Feeder Kit
• Wi-Fi connection (and possibly a Wi-Fi extender)
• Philips head screwdriver (included)
• Drill

Step 1: Check Wi-Fi Signal

Before installation, check the Wi-Fi signal strength at the location where you plan to install the Birdy Feeder. You need a strong 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. If the signal is weak, use a Wi-Fi extender to ensure smooth operation.

Step 2: Unboxing

Open your Birdy Feeder package and ensure all components are present:

• Bird feeder
• FHD camera
• Blackstrap, hose clips (large and small)
• Mounting screws for wood (4x) and concrete (4x)
• Extension perch screws (2x), ejector pin
• Philips head screwdriver, anchors (4x)
• User manual, quick start guide
• Type-C charging cord, extension perch
• Drilling plate, hanging bracket
• Solar panel and installation package (optional)

Step 3: Charge the Camera

Connect the FHD camera to the Type-C charging cord and plug it into a power source. Charge the camera for 14 hours before first use. The status light turns green when fully charged, and yellow indicates it is charging.

Step 4: Assemble the Bird Feeder

While the camera is charging:

• Follow the assembly instructions provided in the app or the user manual.
• Prepare for installation by choosing a location on your home, shed, tree, or pole.
• Use the supplied mounting brackets and straps for easy setup.

Step 5: Mount the Bird Feeder

Secure the assembled bird feeder to your chosen location using the appropriate screws and brackets provided.

Step 6: Pair with Wi-Fi

• Initially, pair the camera with your home Wi-Fi network near your router to ensure a strong connection.
• Once paired, attach the camera to the mounted bird feeder.
• Add bird feed to the feeder and prepare to observe your feathered friends.

Step 7: Set Up the Birdfy App

• Download and install the Birdfy app on your iOS or Android device.
• Use the app to monitor the live feed from your bird feeder.
• The Birdfy app allows you to set up notifications, adjust motion sensitivity, and share your bird-watching experiences with videos and pictures.

Final Steps:

• Regularly check and refill the bird feed as needed.
• Enjoy watching and identifying various bird species visiting your smart feeder!

Now that your Birdy Smart Bird Feeder is all set up, relax and enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of nature from your backyard window.

What do you do with all the videos from Birdfy?

Enhance your bird-watching experience with Birdfy Feeder, which offers a range of cloud storage solutions tailored to maximize your enjoyment and interaction with local wildlife. With the initial setup, you receive a complimentary 30-day cloud storage feature, perfect for getting started. For those seeking extended access and more features, Birdfy offers additional subscription-based services.

1. Bird Recognition Service

• Cost: $4.99 per month
• Features:
  • Recognize over 6,000 bird species with patented AI recognition technology that runs automatically on Netvue Cloud.
  • Automatically save unique bird behaviors, allowing you to cherish and revisit these moments.
  • Squirrel Detection & Prevention: Receive alerts and interact through the Birdfy app to deter squirrels using voice commands, a flashlight, or an alarm siren.
  • This plan is perfect for avid bird watchers eager to learn and document the diverse species visiting their feeder.

2. EVR (Event Video Recording) Service

• Cost: Starts at $1.99 per month
• Features:
  • Record and store up to 60 days of video triggered by motion or ring call detection.
  • You can check missed events through detailed videos and receive immediate alerts for security-related incidents like break-ins or when family members arrive home.
  • Plans:
    • Free: Basic alerts
    • Basic: $1.99/mo for one camera
    • Plus: $2.99/mo for two cameras
    • Economy: $5.99/mo for up to 5 cameras
    • Premium: $9.99/mo for up to 10 cameras

3. Collection Storage Plan

• Cost: Starts at $1.99 monthly
• Features:
  • Store videos from unlimited devices with varying gigabyte capacities based on the plan chosen.
  • Plans:
    • Free: 5GB of storage
    • Basic: 20GB of storage for $1.99/mo
    • Plus: 80GB of storage for additional cost
    • Pro: 200GB of storage, providing about two years' worth of videos

Additional Storage Options

For local storage, the Birdfy Feeder supports SD cards with a capacity of up to 128GB, allowing you to store significant amounts of videos and photos directly on the device without needing cloud storage.

Visit the Birdfy site to learn more about these plans and decide which best suits your needs. Whether you're a seasoned bird watcher or a newcomer to the hobby, Birdfy's storage solutions provide flexible and comprehensive options to enhance your bird-watching experience.

How much does Birdfy cost?

Birdy has a few models of smart bird feeders that range in price from as low as $219.99 and go up to $299.99. For our review, I tested the Birdy Smart Feeder with Bamboo and FHD Camera, which has an MSRP of $299.99. This smart bird feeder came with a solar panel to help us keep the cameras charged all the time. The Birdfy is available on the company site and Amazon. Currently, the company is offering the smart bird feeder at a reduced cost. I recommend you visit their site and Amazon to see which has the lowest price.

Test Results from Birdfy Bamboo Feeder

After several months of testing the Birdfy Feeder Bamboo, a smart bird feeder equipped with an FHD camera, I've garnered some valuable insights and encountered a few challenges that prospective users should consider.

Initial Setup and Connectivity Issues

One of the primary challenges I faced was maintaining a stable wireless connection between the router and the Birdfy FHD camera when placed outdoors. Initially, even with a strong indoor signal, the camera would disconnect upon moving it outside to the feeder. Only after positioning the feeder directly beneath a window—utilizing a Wi-Fi extender on the windowsill—did I achieve a reliable connection. This experience underscores the importance of ensuring robust Wi-Fi coverage where you plan to install the feeder.

Wildlife Interactions

The feeder's design, while appealing, proved somewhat less effective at deterring non-bird wildlife. Despite using the integrated siren and light features to ward off squirrels, these attempts were largely unsuccessful. The squirrels not only persisted in eating the bird food but also gnawed on the bamboo material of the feeder itself. It appears that the siren's volume was insufficient to scare them away, pointing to a potential area for improvement in future models.

Durability Concerns

Another concern was the Birdfy Feeder's durability. The feeder's black top began to fade after exposure to several summer rainstorms, indicating that the materials used might not be fully equipped to handle prolonged or harsh weather conditions without cosmetic damage.

Video and Storage Capabilities

On the brighter side, the Birdfy Feeder's video quality is commendable. The full HD resolution and 155-degree field of view deliver clear and comprehensive visuals, making it great for bird watching and suitable as a makeshift security camera for monitoring outdoor spaces. Night vision quality is adequate, though not exceptional. The local storage option is particularly beneficial for those who prefer direct access to their footage without ongoing costs. In contrast, the cloud storage plans are competitively priced and add significant value.

Recommendations

For optimal performance, it's crucial to:

• Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage at the installation site, potentially supplementing with a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.
• Consider environmental factors and potential wildlife interactions when choosing the feeder's placement.
• Opt for the solar panel upgrade to ensure continuous operation without manual recharging.

Summary

Despite some initial hurdles and ongoing challenges with wildlife, the Birdfy Feeder Bamboo remains a valuable tool for bird enthusiasts. Its cost-effectiveness, coupled with high-quality video capabilities and flexible storage options, makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their bird-watching experience. Just be prepared to take additional steps to ensure connectivity and reinforce the feeder against inquisitive local wildlife, particularly squirrels.

Pros

• High-Quality Video Capture
• Smart feature: advanced AI recognition technology
• Robust Storage Options (local and cloud)
• The camera is Rated IP66 waterproof

Cons

• Connectivity Issues
• Wildlife Interference
• Material Durability
• Limited Squirrel Deterrence

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems compatible with your existing smart devices, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.