ZDNET’s key takeaways include the availability of the Bird Buddy for $219, a bird feeder with a camera that takes beautiful pictures, easy setup, and bird identification features. It requires recharging once a week unless you have the solar option, needs to be within Wi-Fi range, and may miss some bird visitors.
The Bird Buddy has taken bird watching to the next level, providing a 2K-resolution camera module that captures close-up footage of bird visitors. The Bird Buddy app alerts you on your smartphone when a new bird arrives, allowing you to view photos, videos, and species information.
Specifications for the Bird Buddy include dimensions of 9 x 6.3 x 6.9 inches, a 5MP camera for photos, 2K video recording, a 120-degree field of view, and a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. It connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with an operating temperature range of -5°F to 120°F.
After a successful launch on Kickstarter in 2020, Bird Buddy quickly became the most-funded project in the Gadgets category worldwide. The device not only captures photos and videos of birds but also identifies different bird species and tracks migration patterns through the Heartbeat project.
Setting up the Bird Buddy is straightforward, with most components pre-assembled. The camera module attaches easily to the feeder, and placement near a Wi-Fi signal is essential. The app allows you to monitor bird activity and receive notifications of new visitors.
While the Bird Buddy may have some initial challenges with capturing photos, it eventually proves to be a valuable tool for bird watching. The app provides postcards with information about each bird visitor, and the battery lasts about a week before requiring a recharge.
Additional accessories, such as a solar panel for extended battery life, are available for purchase. Despite some drawbacks, the Bird Buddy offers a unique and educational bird watching experience for users of all ages.