Are Bird Feeder Cameras Really Worth The Money?

It may be fascinating to watch birds peck away at the bird feeder in your yard, but you can't get close to the creatures without causing them to fly away. A bird feeder camera is a solution to this, allowing you to get an up-close view that you would never be able to see otherwise. The cameras, installed on or near the bird feeder themselves, work like any other Wi-Fi-connected smart camera, capturing images and videos when movement triggers them to activate. For those that love to watch birds, these cameras give you one of the best views and can come with some incredible features, though they typically also come with a high cost and may be inconvenient to set up. 

Before deciding if a bird feeder camera is worth the money for you, consider whether or not you like to watch these feathered friends feed. If you simply want to feed the birds in your area and viewing isn't a top concern, these models may not be right for you. Additionally, only those who are even slightly tech-savvy will benefit from these feeders, as you'll need to know how to connect it to your Wi-Fi and how to use the app. If this sounds inconvenient or challenging, a traditional option may be a better choice. Also think about how much you're willing to spend, as you'll need to invest some money to purchase one of these types. Those on a strict budget should look for a typical feeder instead. 

Investing in a bird feeder camera of any type allows a close-up view of the action in your yard. Those that have great picture quality allow you to see the birds' unique feather patterns and even what types of seeds they enjoy most, so it can be a lot of fun to use these cameras in your yard. Some even offer high definition cameras that allow you to easily identify what types of birds visit your space. Because the images and videos can be viewed from an app on your smartphone, you can easily use these cameras whenever you want (even while traveling!) to check out your feathered friends. 

Some of the best offer a motion detection feature, which takes images whenever there's any motion in the frame. Those with a live view allow you to turn on the camera and watch whenever desired. Higher-end models also offer upgrades like night vision, audio capabilities, and zoom features. Also, some have an AI identifier, which allows the camera to detect what type of bird has come to visit. Further, the solar-powered features of some models allow them to remain ready-to-go no matter the season. Finally, your bird feeder could also come with a function that tells you when the feeder is running low on seeds, so it's never left empty again. If these pros are intriguing and seem beneficial, a bird feeder camera may be worth the price for you.

The biggest disadvantage of some bird feeder cameras is their cost. They're obviously going to be more expensive than just purchasing a basic wooden bird feeder, with pricing ranging from $80 to $300 or more. Also note that some have a subscription pricing feature, which is charged on a monthly basis to provide live updates, storage, and AI features. Putting aside the cost, there are a few other disadvantages of these types of feeders. Because they operate on Wi-Fi connectivity, they'll need to be close to your home to operate properly. The problem with this is that the feeder could attract rats that won't leave your bird feeder alone, and their close proximity to your house could lead them to damage your property.

Further, you may come across issues with connecting your bird feeder camera to your home's Wi-Fi, and this process may be inconvenient. Depending on the type you choose, the app may also be hard to navigate. Finally, some react to all types of movement, such as the swaying of the tree's leaves, causing an alert when there's really no bird nearby. While this can be avoided by choosing a camera with a sensitivity feature, it's still a con to consider. If you do decide that a bird feeder camera is worth the high cost for you, ensure you decide upon one that's easy to use and that has all the features you're looking for while still staying within your budget.