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Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Yahoo
The 43 Best Gifts for Parents Who Have Everything
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Your parents deserve the world. But shopping for them can feel like trying to solve an impossible riddle. They claim they don't want anything (just your love and affection, right?) but are disappointed if you show up empty-handed. Sure, you could buy them some new pots and pans or another t-shirt they'll never wear, but this year, it's time to aim higher. You don't want to be scouring the mall for what's left of the big blowout sale. You want to get them a gift that's exceptional and one that both of them can use and love. Moms who are loving but discerning, dads who don't even know what they want (or, worse, already have everything)—doesn't matter who, there's something here for them. Whether they're in dire need of some upgraded tech gadgets or eager to get into some new hobbies, we found everything from cooking tools to cozy bedding, carbonators, and coffee machines. They may not know they needed any of this, but it's about to make their lives a whole lot easier. So now it's time to make your folks proud. Okay, maybe you already have, but let's make them just a little prouder. We've rounded up the 43 best gifts for parents. You're going to solidify favorite-child status with one of these for sure. Esquire's Favorite Gifts for Parents For An Outdoor Adventure: America the Beautiful Pass, $80 For Their Backyard Nature Viewing: Bird Buddy, $159 For Their Morning Runs: On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 Trail Sneakers, $170 For Learning Something New: Masterclass Subscription, $180 An Affordable Luxury: Ugg Tasman Slipper, $125Pass - 2025/2026 A prepaid pass to get them into hundreds of national-park, wildlife, and Bureau of Land Management areas. It's the perfect gift for outdoorsy types. $79.99 at REIPersonalized Hobby Mugs They'll get a kick out of personalized mugs, one for each of them. $32.00 at Experiences Want a gift that's totally unexpected? Pick out a new activity—like pasta making or wine tasting—in their city and gift them a card to do it. An extra-special date night, from you. at United States of Cocktails' A little bit of boozy history (along with some cocktail recipes) from around America—a gift that's both educational and fun! $15.54 at Compost Bin If they've been trying to go green for a while, this stylish countertop composter will certainly give them a push in the right direction. $49.99 at oz Insulated Food Jar Grab 'em a few of these mix-and-match containers so they're never without a fresh snack on a hike or a hearty meal on the road. You know they won't want to stop and buy something to eat. $39.95 at Solar Bird Feeder with Camera A solar-powered smart feeder that'll let them track every bird customer they get on any given day. $159.00 at 45 Cooler It's great for the pool, the beach, or wherever they happen to be taking their lunch. It'll keep their food and drinks cold, even in extreme heat. $325.00 at Ice Bucket No one does whimsical rich-parent decor like Jonathan Adler. This high-gloss ice bucket with brass finishes is the epitome of that look. When I'm retired and taking my noon cocktail, I want one just like it. $295.00 at Gummies If your parents are more health conscious than you, they'll love a daily gummy from the most popular vitamin gummies on the market right now. $63.99 at Last year, we got my parents a yearlong subscription to MasterClass. Mom took film and gardening classes. Dad took game theory. If any parent is the never-stop-learning type, it's a great gift. $180.00 at 300 We love this speaker as part of a wireless surround-sound system, but it's equally great as a stand-alone house speaker for streaming music. Doesn't matter what they want it for; it'll fill the room with top-class audio. $449.00 at 4 The Oura Ring fits perfectly in their jewelry aesthetic, tracks heart rate, and monitors sleep and stress levels, all while being water-resistant. This gift is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about their body so they can improve their overall health. $349.00 at Wide Hoop Earrings Your mother did go through the pains of labor to give birth to you. The least you can do to say thank you is to buy her these gorgeous earrings. They are chic yet classic enough for everyday use. $3900.00 at Yoga Mat A yoga mat that's so stunning, they won't even want to roll it up. $81.00 at Alice + OliviaSmall Glasses (Set of Six) These are the most deluxe glasses their table setting will ever have. Of course they are Dior. $380.00 at DiorCloudsurfer Trail 2 Trail Running Shoes For the runner, there's a reason that On's shoes are some of the most popular. Help them discover that reason for themselves. $170.00 at REISuper-Plush Robe A super plush robe from a super cool collaboration is great for a super awesome parent. $119.00 at Epoque Perhaps it's their anniversary or perhaps you just want to celebrate how phenomenal they are. Nothing exudes celebration like some festive champagne flutes and a bottle of the good stuff. $210.79 at Reserve BarJotter Ballpoint Pen Gift your parents a pen endorsed by both Esquire and James Bond. That's right, 007 himself used this affordable pen. $11.47 at Fountain Pen If you're looking for something a bit fancier, Kaweco makes the Classic Sport, a good pen for a decent price. We do, however, love it in the slightly more upscale Brass Sport. $69.99 at Camp Pet Bed If they're empty nesters, chances are they love the dog more than you these days. Tip the scale in your favor by gifting them (or your... dog sibling?) a plush Pendleton dog bed. $200.00 at Pro If they're wordly types who enjoy sparkling water, an at-home Aarke is a good investment. It's especially good when you consider how much a case of Acqua Panna costs. $365.00 at Cabin They've always wanted a Rimowa but couldn't justify the price tag. (News flash, it's worth the price.) But now you, their loving child—or children—with a stable income, can deck them out accordingly. $1600.00 at Vis Nav The only robot vacuum that will rival the professional cleaning service they use. $999.95 at 2 Instant Camera Nothing makes them feel like teenagers in love again quite like an instant camera. This one from Leica is top-of-the-line. $399.00 at Cutting Board For the foodie parents, this personalized cutting board will elevate their meal prep (and countertop) immensely. $179.00 at Round Roses & Hydrangeas Flowers always are appreciated, and these are going to be even more appreciated because they will last for over a year. $499.00 at Scented Candle Loewe brings fragrance to life with candles that evoke realism through scent. And they're pretty pieces of decor. $240.00 at Mini Facebook, beloved website of parents, made video calling easy yet high-tech with its smart, touch-screen video display. The camera pans to capture movement, the speaker makes voices crystal-clear, and there are features that make it fun for kids, in case they have grandkids they'd like to chat with more often. $129.00 at Launch Monitor If your parents are anything like mine, then they love a day out on the golf course. And if they really are anything like mine, then they live in Chicago and can't golf in the freezing winter. This is a much-appreciated gift. $249.98 at Artist Capsule Honestly, who doesn't love good olive oil? Especially when it comes in an entire set of aesthetically pleasing packaging. $150.00 at II Slippers Everyone is a homebody these days. Matching Ugg slippers will score you major points. $125.00 at UggClassic Retro-X Fleece Jacket Get this for Dad, and this one for Mom. $159.99 at Wine Club Subscription Has their relationship aged like a fine wine? Great, get them a mail-order wine subscription. Firstleaf quizzes them on their taste preferences then curates a selection of bottles accordingly. $100.00 at Pack Make sure your parents are dressing up their meals in the utmost style. Just be warned: Truffle sauce is addictive. $64.99 at TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote Great for parents who are finally coming to terms with the death of cable. After you install this bad boy for them, you'll never have to field a phone call about a missing Netflix password again. $49.99 at Block Marble Bar Tool Set This polished marble bar-tool set is perfect for upscaling any bar setting in your household. This set gives off a look of elegance but is extremely functional at the same time. $59.95 at Gift Subscriptions Keep them warm through the cold months (and beyond, if you wish!) with a subscription to Atlas Tea Club, which sends them new premium loose leaf teas from around the globe every month. $55.00 at Easel & Prints This brass easel frame comes with 12 prints, so they can swap out photos of you with photos of the dog whenever they feel like it. Really, who do you think is cuter? $59.00 at Performance Jogger Shop Now Get them matching pairs of the softest joggers on Earth. They'll be the comfiest duo at the grocery store by far. $98.00 at Elite 360 This DIY, LED-lit grow kit comes with a starter pack of herb seeds, giving your parents both a fun project and fresh flavor for their food all year round. $112.72 at Lattissima by De'Longhi Black Italian-café-level coffee to support their new commute from bed to desk. $679.00 at You Might Also Like Kid Cudi Is All Right 16 Best Shoe Organizers For Storing and Displaying Your Kicks
Tom's Guide
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
This common mistake could be attracting bees to your hummingbird feeder, but it's easy to fix
Hummingbirds love to dive in and devour the sticky sugar and water nectar in hummingbird feeders. But, while these beautiful birds feed, there's another insect that wants to take a snack. Bees also love this sweet treat as it mimics the natural nectar found in flowers, and just like it does with hummingbirds, it provides them with a rich source of energy. While the occasional bee won't be an issue, if a swarm arrives, the hummingbirds will be deterred from feeding and will seek their food source elsewhere. However, there is a way to discourage bees from feeding on your hummingbird nectar by simply making one change to your hummingbird nectar recipe. While the standard recipe includes sugar and water, the key is changing the ratio of ingredients. Dan DeBaun, bird blogger at Dan's Bird Bites, told Tom's Guide that the ideal hummingbird nectar contains one part table sugar with four parts water. And to make the nectar, you don't need to use boiling water, as long as it's hot enough to dissolve the sugar and left to cool to room temperature before adding to your feeder. But to keep the bees at bay, there's a simple change you can make to your nectar recipe by changing the sugar-to-water ratio. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. All it takes is changing the ratio to one part sugar to five parts water. This easy adjustment will dilute the sugar and make it less attractive to bees, while still encouraging hummingbirds to feed. This smart hummingbird feeder provides a safe space for the birds to feed. You can capture video and photos of the tiny backyard creatures and it's all powered by solar energy. The Bird Buddy app then uses Ai to identify hummingbirds and other species, with real-time alerts. However, if this isn't enough to deter the bees from your hummingbird feeder, there are other tactics you can employ. Birds & Blooms suggests planting pollinator-friendly plants near your feeder to encourage the bees to dive into the plants rather than the feeder. Meanwhile, Home Sweet Bees recommends using a red hummingbird feeder without yellow in the design, as yellow is a big draw to bees, but they are less attracted to the color red than hummingbirds. Home Sweet Bees also suggests placing a decoy feeder in another location and filling it with a stronger sugar solution than you would use for your hummingbird nectar. The bees will be enticed by the sweeter nectar and leave your hummingbirds to feed alone. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
07-07-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
How to keep bees out of hummingbird feeders — 5 expert methods to help them thrive
First thing each morning, I sit outside and watch the wildlife visiting my garden. There's lots of activity to spot. An array of birds swoop down to feed and drink, and there are plenty of insects doing their thing. And although I feel quite spoiled to be able to enjoy this scene by simply opening my back door, I would love the opportunity to attract hummingbirds to my yard. Unfortunately, hummingbirds are not native to the U.K., so unless I up sticks and move south, this is one birdwatching treat I'll be missing out on. But for those of you with more favorable locations, adding a hummingbird feeder to your yard will attract these beautiful birds. But beware, a few insects will follow. Given the chance, bees will dive in and feast on the food, and although we don't class them as pests, they can prevent hummingbirds from getting their fill and thriving. I've called on the help of wildlife and pest experts to share how to discourage bees from taking over hummingbird feeders without causing them harm, but firstly it's good to know why we need to protect hummingbirds from bees. This smart hummingbird feeder provides a safe space for the birds to feed. You can capture video and photos of the tiny backyard creatures and it's all powered by solar energy. The Bird Buddy app then uses Ai to identify hummingbirds and other species, with real-time alerts. Maria Kincaid, ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, says, 'Bees, along with wasps and hornets, are attracted to hummingbird feeders because they're a food source filled with sugary nectar, much like the flowers they are attracted to, just like hummingbirds.' While Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention, adds, 'It's not just the sugar, it's the simplicity. Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru.' With bright red and yellow signage, sugar-rich liquid, and no petals to navigate, they are the perfect feeding stop for bees. In the drought or midsummer, she says hummingbird feeders outcompete flowers in both quantity and accessibility. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Juan C. Rezk, chief marketing officer at Certus, says the presence of bees can deter shyer hummingbirds and that 'aggressive bee swarms can stress the birds or even completely dominate the feeder.' But apart from bees, you'll also want to keep ants out of hummingbird feeders, without causing them harm. Bees prefer low-effort, high-reward sources, and most feeders are basically a fast-food drive-thru While Jason Napolski, CEO and President at A-Tex Pest Management, says there is a knock-on effect, as wasps and yellow jackets, which often follow bees to feeders, can also be aggressive and territorial, putting off hummingbirds from feeding. 'Too many bees can overwhelm feeders, scare off hummingbirds, and lead to aggressive swarming,' says Carpenter, adding that the bees can also suffer. 'Bees can drown in the nectar, which helps no one, including the hive.' Some types of hummingbird feeders are more difficult for bees to access than others, and Kincaid recommends those with long nectar ports, which make it easy for hummingbirds to access the food, but bees and other stinging insects cannot. You can also consider a hummingbird feeder with a bee guard, while saucer-style feeders also make it more difficult for bees to access the rich nectar. Isabelle Manseau, owner at Birdzy, says the color of your feeder will make a difference, as bees love yellow. She suggests, 'Stay away from feeders with yellow components. Use red only if you want to draw hummingbirds.' If you already have a hummingbird feeder, it's worth checking it for leaks, with Napolski warning, 'Avoid feeders that leak or drip, as even a small spill can attract insects quickly.' Top tip If you've got a real bee problem, Kincaid suggests moving your hummingbird feeder to a new location, as hummingbirds will move with the feeder, but the bees may not. Carpenter explains that repositioning will disturb the bees 'memory maps'. Kincaid also recommends positioning your feeder in a shady location, as bees prefer to feed in full sun. There's a mixed opinion on whether scent can deter bees from hummingbird feeders or not. Manseau says, 'Some people apply vinegar, clove oil, peppermint oil, or cinnamon to nearby surfaces.' However, she believes it's not very effective in the long run, particularly after a downpour. Despite this view, Carpenter says it's best to go for scent layering, 'Bees may tolerate a single strong scent if the nectar reward is high. But combining deterrents, like peppermint oil plus vinegar wipe-downs, creates a sensory overload they won't push through.' Napolski also believes it's worth giving scent deterrents, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon, a try. 'You can try placing peppermint oil on cotton balls and tucking them near the feeder to gently deter bees without affecting hummingbirds,' he says, but adds, 'Avoid applying oils directly to the feeder ports, as that can repel the birds too.' Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees There are plenty of options to deter the bees with visual devices. Carpenter explains, 'Shiny objects like reflective tape, old CDs, or metallic pinwheels disorient bees, who prefer a calm, stable visual field.' She suggests hanging the objects nearby, rather than on the feeder, which might spook the hummingbirds too. Carpenter also recommends using devices with vertical motion, such as hanging spirals that bob in the wind. 'Bees will hate it, while hummingbirds won't care,' she adds. 'Regular cleaning and maintenance will not only help keep pests away from your hummingbird feeder, but it's best for the hummingbirds you're trying to attract,' says Kincaid. What's more, she adds that sugar water can spoil quickly, which can cause mold to grow in the feeder and nectar ports. And, if it begins to ferment, when left too long in the sun, it can harm hummingbirds. A poorly maintained feeder will always cause a problem. 'Leaky, sticky feeders are bee magnets. Cleaning them weekly with hot water, without soap, and checking for loose seals or ports that drip will help you in your war with bees,' advises Carpenter. By keeping your hummingbird feeder clean, you'll also be removing pheromone trails, the scent trails that bees leave behind for others to follow. While we want to deter bees from honing in on hummingbird feeders, they still play an important role in the ecosystem of our gardens, so the best solution is to create a bee-friendly zone. Napolski suggests planting bee-friendly flowers, such as lavender, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and mint, away from the feeder. 'You can also set up a bee watering station — a shallow dish with water and pebbles for them to land on — and place a sugar-water feeder specifically for bees in another part of the garden. This diverts them while supporting their role as pollinators,' he adds. This 2-pack of Bee Cups, available for $9 at Amazon, could be just the thing to attract bees away from your hummingbird feeder. Opt for bee cups in yellow, purple, and blue — colors that bees love. Manseau suggests another solution, and says, 'Set up a dish with sugar water or fruit away from your feeders. Once bees find and rely on that spot, they'll stop crowding the hummingbird zone.' Whatever you do, all the experts agree, you shouldn't use pesticides to kill the bees. Kincaid says, 'Insects are an important part of our ecosystem, and while they can definitely be annoying, we need them around. 'Bees are important pollinators, and also important food sources for different species. Along with taking these insects out of the ecosystem, the pesticides used to kill bees can also be directly harmful to birds.' And pesticides won't just wipe out one or two bees, Carpenter says; they can destroy whole colonies and harm other pollinators. She also explains that hummingbirds can be affected as well. If they are exposed to neonicotinoids, they won't die right away, but it will be a slow and confused demise.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- Forbes
AI Bird Feeders Are The Latest Tech Toy You Didn't Know You Needed
Bird Buddy, a smart camera bird feeder, uses an AI-powered camera feeder to detect when birds land, identifies the species, takes their photos and organizes them in a collection. (Photo by) Getty Images A funny thing happened on the way to mass bird extinction: Backyard bird feeders like, Bird Buddy and Birdfy, started booming. It makes sense if you pull out your binoculars. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, North America has lost nearly three billion birds since 1970. Yet during that same bleak period, birdwatching (especially the backyard variety) has become something of a national obsession. It likely started with pandemic cabin fever and a flock of TikTok naturalists but it's fledged into the rise of tech toys that put AI-assisted cameras and connected apps on bird feeders so you can watch your fluttery friends from anywhere. I spent way too much time recently live-streaming the Eagle Cam, which chronicles the exploits of two juvenile bald eagles, Gizmo and Sunny, from Big Bear, California. Now that they've left the nest, I thought I'd see what's available for home birders. Birdfy showcases their bird feeders with built-in cameras during 2025 CES Unveiled, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Jack Dempsey) Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved For sure it's a crowded market, with competitors like Bird Buddy, Birdfy, PerchMe, PeckPerk and Soliom offering camera-equipped feeders at various price points and with a stunning range of options. You've got solar roof panels that power the tech, squirrel-proof porches, built-in antennae for better wifi and AI recognition to identify whatever bird flies up to the perch. And while some birdhouses are cheaper and perhaps better at keeping squirrels away (and PerchMe has cool wings in its design), the clear favorite among reviewers and testers is Bird Buddy's Smart Bird Feeder Pro. It's got built-in AI software that identifies over 1,000 types of birds, has a large porch for birds to hang out on, and a high-res (5MP) camera and built-in mic that gives you some of the most vivid images you'll ever see of your own backyard. Right now you can find them for just under $200. An exhibitor holds up the Bird Buddy smart camera bird feeder during CES Unveiled before the start of the CES tech show, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. The AI-powered camera bird feeder notifies you when a bird is feeding, takes pictures and organizes the photos. (AP Photo/John Locher) Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. My father-in-law and a few of my friends have Bird Buddies and I love that the unit sends 'postcards' to your phone whenever a bird lands on the roost. There's video, too, and you can even watch slow-mo replays of wrens and cardinals alighting on the feeder. What's also nice is that while most smart feeders require a paid plan to unlock full features (like video or photo archives), a business model that has irked more than a few buyers, Bird Buddy's Pro version is more transparent. While it does offer a subscription (for added storage and features), the free version still delivers plenty of functionality out of the box—something that can't be said for all competitors. Just be warned: Feeders like Bird Buddy quickly get addictive. You come home in the afternoon wondering whether that little yellow chickadee came back for some seeds. It's like your own backyard drama: Most American homes witness somewhere between 10 to 15 bird species flying around over the course of the year. For anyone curious about birds but not quite ready to memorize field guides, a smart feeder like Bird Buddy makes it easy to start paying attention and maybe even caring about these beautiful creatures. With the right setup, your backyard bird feeder little nature documentary, only you get to be the narrator. ALSO ON FORBES Forbes The Indoor Garden That's Foolproof, Gorgeous, And Actually Works By David Hochman Forbes 'Jaws' Turns 50: The Summer Blockbuster That Still Dominates Pop Culture By David Hochman Forbes How One Buzzy New Los Angeles Restaurant Solved The $25 Burger Problem By David Hochman
CNN
26-05-2025
- CNN
I tested the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro. It'll change how you see your yard
The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro taps into the best part about bird-watching: It's a hobby that can be enjoyed anytime, in anyplace, by anyone. It doesn't matter if you're sitting at your kitchen table eating lunch, at work taking calls or traveling around the world, this bird feeder, with its upgraded high-resolution camera and accompanying AI-powered app, keeps you constantly connected to the avian visitors of your backyard. Any feathered friend that stops by your feeder is recorded on video and sent to your phone. It's a nifty gadget whether you're an amateur ornithologist or someone whose experience with animals doesn't go much beyond your pet. But what if you already have one of the best bird feeders attracting finches, sparrows and crows to your backyard? Is swapping that regular feeder for a smart one worth the price of upgrading? And what makes the Bird Buddy, let alone the Bird Buddy Pro, the best smart bird feeder for anyone who wants to know more about the birds in their yard? Allow me, a serious birder with 10 years of experience and more than 250 species logged, to break it down now that I've had a Bird Buddy Pro posted in my backyard for over a month. Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro Thanks to the upgraded camera aboard the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro, which can recognize and ID different species and even individual birds, nature lovers can get up close and personal with every bird in their yard. Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro Solar Though you can always purchase the solar roof later on, getting it with the feeder is the best value for what I would consider an essential add-on. Never having to charge the camera means more time to watch birds. It opens your eyes to nature Prev Next Before digging into the specs that make the Bird Buddy Pro one of my favorite devices I've come across in years of product testing, let's explore the overall experience. I'm obsessed with birds — my wife and I vacationed in Costa Rica earlier this year in part to see cool birds — but I admit that, sometimes, I overlook the birds I see every day. The Bird Buddy Pro reminded me that northern cardinals, one of the most common backyard birds in the northeast, are legitimately awe-inspiring. It brought me back to my early days as a birder, when every species I encountered was fascinating and special. I never should have lost sight of that. The Bird Buddy Pro can give you that same spark, teaching you about birds you probably didn't notice have always been there. Hopefully, you can go from saying, 'Oh, a bird,' to saying, 'Holy smokes, a rose-breasted grosbeak.' Even if you don't become the kind of person who nerds out like I do, being more aware and appreciative of who and what is flying around can be really satisfying. Then there's the social element. Right now my Bird Buddy Pro is hanging on a pole in my parents' backyard. Being able to call my mom and tell her our feeder finally got our first visitor created a real memory. Texting my family group chat with updates on the latest videos is fun. I can also invite friends to make their own Bird Buddy account to view my findings on their phone. Even though we aren't all under the same roof, having access to the footage of real birds that ate from my feeder is something we can all bond over. The video quality is absurdly good Having a camera built into the main housing elevates a smart bird feeder above a standard bird feeder, but the upgrades made to this specific camera are what separate the Bird Buddy Pro from its predecessor. It added 2K video, HDR, a bigger sensor, a longer focus range and a wider field of view. If you don't know cameras, that means pictures and video are brighter, clearer and more immersive than before. As someone who often lugs around a giant camera and lens to take pictures of birds, I was blown away by the quality of the captures from the tiny Bird Buddy Pro. The little details were visible, like raindrops on a bird's head and imperfections in its beak. I noticed the way individual feathers layer on top of each other and marveled at the different colors of various species' eyes. Even when conditions weren't ideal, like on rainy days or at dusk, the Bird Buddy Pro delivered crisp images. One male northern cardinal that repeatedly visited my feeder showed the not-so-picturesque side of bird life. He was molting, or replacing old feathers with new ones, revealing bald patches around his head. It might not be the aesthetic you imagine, but these are the things you see when you can get views of a bird from inches away. The app is fun and informative The physical bird feeder is only half the story with the Bird Buddy Pro, because the Bird Buddy app is where you access everything the feeder captures. If there were a Spotify Wrapped-like recap of my phone usage at the end of the year, I'm sure Bird Buddy would make the cut. It's a fun platform that combines the virtual scrapbooking of Instagram with the collector's angle of Pokémon Go. Four tabs provide navigation within the app: home, collection, BBTV and cameras. The home tab is where you see the latest visitors to your feeder. It can be arranged in a curated format or display every single visitor. Users can scroll and swipe through photos and videos, submit feedback on identification, save certain 'postcards' for later viewing — that's what Bird Buddy calls each documentation of a visitor — and learn more about the birds spotted with interactive AI features. Dubbed 'NatureChat,' that last element dishes out fun facts and lets you engage in a question-and-answer session with a chatbot. The collection tab is your logbook. Any media you liked enough to save will be stowed away here for you to look back on anytime you want. You can sort by species, most frequent visitors or many other criteria. On BBTV, a For You page of Bird Buddy cams from around the world gives you a glimpse at what birds other people are seeing (don't worry, you can keep your footage private in the settings). Finally, the cameras tab is your interface with the device's options, like video quality, and access to a live feed from your Bird Buddy Pro. Upgrade to the solar roof if you can The plastic build of the Bird Buddy Pro is basic but well constructed. It's shaped like a small house, where the front wall, rear wall and roof can be removed for easy cleaning. Once pieced together, the camera pops into the front wall, and a small trap door on the rear wall flips down to pour in more seed. That collection of seed fills the inside and overflows into a platform on which birds can perch and feast — and pose for the camera, of course. Some add-ons can give birds more snacking options too. The 3-in-1 Nutrition Set, for example, lets you place fruits and jellies — favorites of the Baltimore oriole — on a secondary platform. But the extra feature I can't recommend enough is the solar roof. Available on its own or included with the feeder, this roof looks identical to the standard roof but with a solar panel on one side. It plugs into the camera, and as long as you get adequate sunlight, you likely won't need to charge the camera. My feeder has been up for over a month, and I've never noticed the camera's battery below 80%. AI identification isn't perfect Bird Buddy's ability to identify birds is part of its charm. It makes the world of birds accessible to users who don't know a black-capped chickadee from a tufted titmouse. But after analyzing every report from my feeder's camera, I noticed more than a few misidentifications. Northern cardinals were the most frequent visitors to my Bird Buddy Pro, yet the app incorrectly labeled some instances as an American robin, tufted titmouse and even the rarer summer tanager. My heart skipped a beat when I saw that notification, but my excitement was for nought. Part of my testing included leaving a camera next to the feeder to observe visitors from another angle. At one point, a blue jay stopped at the feeder for about eight seconds. Yet, I never got that video from the Bird Buddy Pro's point of view. The app never alerted me to the blue jay's presence. If I hadn't had a secondary camera set up, I never would have known. Part of why I love the Bird Buddy Pro is that it erases the FOMO I have about missing an awesome bird at my feeder, but this mishap planted a seed of doubt in my mind that it's keeping me abreast of every visitor. Bird identification can be hard, and we can't expect an AI system still in beta testing to get everything right. To Bird Buddy's credit, it's a system that asks for feedback on every ID so it can better learn the difference between right and wrong. My advice: If you're new to bird IDs, check out the Merlin app for extra help. Its image recognition is top-notch. Most features are paywalled I generally groan when people complain about a great product existing behind a paywall. So, while I won't belittle Bird Buddy for packaging several features in a paid subscription, I will at least let you know such a restriction exists. The individual plan is $6 per month or $60 per year, while a family plan that grants premium features to guests you virtually invite to your Bird Buddy Pro is $10 monthly or $90 per year. Some paid-exclusive features include the highest resolution video available, an AI chatbot that teaches users about birds, an alert system that can notify you of sick birds that might spread disease and unlimited cloud storage for your favorite sightings. It's important to note that none of these features are required to enjoy the core of what makes the Bird Buddy Pro so fun; you can still get a ton out of it without paying a cent more than the price of the actual feeder. These extras only enhance the experience. Some of my CNN Underscored colleagues already loved the original Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder. Testing the Pro model made it clear that a good thing just got better. It's a wicked-fun gadget for anyone with even a basic interest in nature, as it opens your eyes to how many different kinds of birds are flying around your home. The Bird Buddy Pro is well made and pairs with an app that turns the educational aspect into a gamelike experience, plus it makes maintaining the feeder feel less like a chore and more like an activity. The camera has no business being as good as it is in such a small package, yet it produces sharp, vivid photos and videos every time a bird lands at your feeder. The all-in price of The Bird Buddy Pro is no small investment. You have to subscribe for the best features and you'll have to stay stocked on birdseed. I still think it's worth it because it has brought me joy daily, letting me passively watch birds even if I'm too busy to spend hours with my binoculars on a trail somewhere. And to me, that kind of around-the-clock access to nature is borderline priceless. How do I fill the Bird Buddy Pro bird feeder? How do I fill the Bird Buddy Pro bird feeder? A small door opens on the back wall of the Bird Buddy Pro to allow easy pouring of birdseed into the feeder. The Bird Buddy Pro also comes with a small cup with which you can scoop and pour your birdseed. How do I hang up the Bird Buddy Pro bird feeder? How do I hang up the Bird Buddy Pro bird feeder? The Bird Buddy Pro can be hung up with the included triangular metal hanger that attaches to its roof. It also comes with a screw-on mount for attaching to poles or platforms. How often should I clean my Bird Buddy Pro? How often should I clean my Bird Buddy Pro? Clean your Bird Buddy Pro at least once a month, though more frequently would be even better. Take the feeder apart and wipe down the plastic parts with soapy water. The brand also recommends a 10% bleach solution to disinfect the feeder. This is important because a sick bird can transmit disease, such as avian flu, to other birds if your feeder isn't regularly cleaned. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate testing writer Joe Bloss put up a Bird Buddy Pro in his family's backyard and obsessively monitored the Bird Buddy app. Bloss is both an avid birder and an experienced product tester. He has penned CNN Underscored's guide for beginner bird-watchers and tested the best binoculars under $500. His favorite bird is probably the black-and-white warbler, but it's hard to choose just one.
