A digital (or “smart”) birdfeeder? You’ve got to be kidding. Why would I need such a thing? If you are fascinated by the bird visitors to your garden, this might be the gadget for you. 

Digital birdfeeders give you the ability to “watch” feathered friends in action. These devices take photos and videos of anything visiting the feeder. They enable one to capture images of birds without startling or disturbing them. By allowing observation of individual habits, they help in identification. Most offer links to AI and other tools for help in that identification.

Smart feeders come in a variety of sizes, colors and features. They connect to wi-fi, and the phone app link allows you to select your preferred settings. For example, trying to capture a photo of an oak titmouse has always been a challenge. They are quick feeders, seldom pausing for more than a second or two and then flying to shelter. The motion sensitive camera both captures a good photo and a 5-second video (which is the setting I selected in the phone app).

In addition to price, which can vary from less than $100.00 to over $400.00, there are a number of features to consider:

Camera features vary from wide angle to closeups, single camera to dual (both front and side views) and 1080p to 5MP and 4K ultrahigh-definition video, close-up features and more.      A solar panel for charging is a must. Many units come with a solar panel included, or it can be purchased separately. Removing the camera frequently to charge it indoors is a pain; the solar panel reduces or eliminates that step. The panel may or may not be built in and may need to be mounted and connected separately with an included charging cable, enabling better exposure to the sun.

The bird feeder itself comes in good quality plastic, metal or wood and in a variety of colors. It may offer features like fruit spikes, liquid trays, and differing seed storage amounts.  Water resistance is important and common in most.

Smartphone apps vary. These interface with the camera and allow personalized setting choices. Most come with an SD card from 128 GB and up. Other storage apps vary from the Cloud (which requires a subscription) to free apps. AI and other links offer identification with various levels of reliability.

Notifications can be set for bird activity or alerts for uninvited guests (like squirrels).

Audio features are offered as well. Being able to hear birdsong will help with identification. Some units offer two-way audio, so you can yell at a squirrel!

There are many online sites that rate these smart birdfeeders and offer fascinating insights and options.

Like any bird feeders, providing good quality feed and appropriate locations will help birds feel more secure. Cleanliness and human accessibility for refilling are factors to be considered. 

The benefits of a smart bird feeder include wonderful birdwatching opportunities without disturbing the birds themselves. Observing the interaction between differing groups and species is educational and entertaining. We have watched a tiny oak titmouse chase off much larger birds for the few seconds it visits the feeder. Scrub and Stellar jays do not seem comfortable staying for long periods of time. We’ve watched finches and grosbeaks interact with one another and then noticed the changes in activity through the seasons. The photos themselves enable good bird identification as well as wonderful sharing with friends and family. This is a great addition to the garden!

Nancy Bliss is a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener of Tuolumne County. UCCE Central Sierra Master Gardeners can answer home gardening questions, from rainwater tanks to drought-resistant plants. Call 209-533-5912 in Tuolumne County, 209-754-2880 in Calaveras County or fill out our questionnaire at (ask garden questions). Check out our webpage at https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-central-sierraYou can also find us on Facebook and on the radio at kaad-lp.org or 103.5 FM on Motherlode Community Radio.

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