Latest news with #birdfeeders
Forbes
11 hours ago
- 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
CNET
05-06-2025
- General
- CNET
Bird Feeder Tips From a Wildlife Expert: How to Set Up and Care for Your Bird Feeder
As a wellness writer and amateur birder, I appreciate the health benefits of listening to and watching birds. Studies show that hearing birdsong can boost our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and lowering stress levels. Until recently, I lived in an apartment in the heart of a city. I had to actively seek nature and the advantages of being surrounded by our avian friends. I now live in a house with a backyard and mature trees, where birds flit among the bushes and bounce along the fence line. I dove headfirst into my long-held dream of having an outdoor space with bird feeders, quickly realizing I needed some guidance on choosing the right feeder, figuring out where to place it and which feed to use. Tru Hubbard, urban wildlife education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, came to the rescue with expert insight. From feeders and seeds to bird safety tips, here's everything you need to know about placing and caring for your bird feeder. Where is the best place to put your bird feeder? Location, location, location -- it's not just an important term for real estate agents. Where and how you set up your bird feeder can impact the birds and other local wildlife. The main points to consider when picking the best spot for your bird feeder are proper coverage and proximity to trees, distance from windows and height off the ground. Coverage and proximity to trees Birds prefer to feed in areas with some coverage, allowing them to quickly escape to nearby trees or bushes if needed. Placing your feeder near trees or shrubbery increases their protection from predators and offers shelter from inclement weather like rain or wind -- but they shouldn't be too close. The standard guideline is to put your feeder between 10 and 15 feet from said bushes and trees. Hanging your feeder in a tree with easily accessible branches isn't advised. "We also want to reduce the ability of other animals to access the food, which is why sometimes hanging them in trees can be an invitation to our smaller mammals. Placing it about 10 feet away from any tree or structure squirrels or raccoons could use to jump off will help stop them from stealing food,' said Hubbard. A bird feeder hung close to branches or structures can be an easy target for squirrels, raccoons and other placement can also reduce the likelihood of birds being stalked by neighborhood cats from the bushes. This is important to consider because feral and domestic cat predation is the primary driver of bird mortality in the US. Distance from windows 'There are multiple factors to consider that can vary for each person and yard. Prioritizing the bird's safety should be number one; thus, avoiding spots that could increase the chance of bird strikes on windows should be at the top of the list," said Hubbard. There is a sweet spot regarding how far away your feeder should be from windows. One way to remember this is the Rule of 3 or 30, which suggests placing your bird feeder within three feet of a window or at least 30 feet away. If your feeder is less than three feet from a window, the chances of a bird getting injured are reduced since it won't be flying at high speed if it hits the window. The safest option is to position your feeder well away from windows to eliminate the risk of collisions entirely. 'Ideally, a bird feeder should be placed more than 30 feet away from any windows, allowing plenty of time for them to navigate around potential hazards, or within a few feet of a home, which doesn't allow birds to gain enough speed to injure themselves if they do contact a window," explained Hubbard. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that over one billion birds collide with glass and windows in the United States annually. If birds are colliding with your windows at home, check out these tips for keeping them safe. Shade versus sun 'Hanging feeders in shaded areas is generally preferred because it will prevent food spoilage, provide some cover from the elements and keep birds out of the hot sun for a more comfortable feeding environment,' explained Hubbard. In addition to keeping them cooler during the warmer summer months, a shaded location can help reduce sun glare and prevent confusion for the birds flying in your yard. The height of your bird feeder will also play a role in the type of bird you off the ground The height of your feeder will also impact the species of birds that will hang out there. Ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and towhees, naturally prefer to eat lower, while others, like woodpeckers, feed higher in trees. 'About five to six feet minimum is recommended due to other animals that will be trying to access the feed, including squirrels, raccoons and deer,' said Hubbard. You can certainly install a bird feeder above that five-to-six-foot sweet spot, just keep in mind that positioning it too high can make it less convenient for cleaning and refilling. What type of bird feeder should you use? Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from trays and platforms to hoppers and tubes. Browsing the many options at my local plant nursery was a little overwhelming. I spoke with a knowledgeable employee who explained that when it comes to deciding on the type of feeder, it ultimately boils down to the bird you hope to attract. Hubbard echoed this sentiment. 'Your bird feeder selection depends primarily on the species of bird you would like to feed. For instance, platform feeders tend to be better suited for larger songbirds like cardinals, while feeders with lots of little perches are better for small songbirds and can reduce competition for food. Things you can also consider are durability, how easy they are to clean and squirrel-proof features if you expect this to be an issue,' Hubbard explained. Unless you're trying to attract one specific type of bird, providing a combination of different feeder styles and foods in your yard will attract the greatest variety. For more, here's a breakdown of the types of bird feeders and the birds they're best for. It was three days before I saw the first visitor to my platform feeder. Aly Lopez/CNET The only visitor I saw for the first week after installing my hanging tray feeder was a California scrub jay. This species can be rather competitive and aggressive with other birds, and is sometimes called a "bully bird," so I hoped it wasn't hogging the feeder. However, I'm pleased to report that various other birds have been stopping by the feeder recently, including mountain chickadees, house finches and an American robin. What should you feed the birds? Similar to the type of feeder, the food you put out will determine which birds (and other animals) will visit. 'The type of birdseed used varies depending on what species you're hoping to attract to your backyard," Hubbard said, sharing research published by the National Audubon Society. Project Wildbird was an impressive study involving the observation of 1.2 million bird feeder visits to determine the top seed preferences of birds. The number-one choice? Black oil sunflower seeds. They're easy to crack open and provide a nutritious, high-oil snack, meaning less work and a greater reward. It's preferred by birds such as the black-capped chickadee, Cassin's finch, northern cardinal, house finch, tufted titmouse, red-breasted nuthatch and many more. The birding section at my local plant nursery displays signs showing which seed is best for attracting certain species of birds. Aly Lopez/CNET High-quality birdseed will increase the likelihood of birds flocking to your feeder. Cheap store-bought mixed bags often include fillers such as cracked corn and red milo. These low-quality alternatives to sunflower and other protein-rich seeds lack nutritional value, and birds often won't eat them. Smaller birds have a harder time eating these with their tiny beaks. An accumulation of leftovers can grow mold and attract unwanted wildlife or pests to your feeder, so it's best to avoid the cheap stuff at all costs. Mealworms and suet cakes are other great options for providing the birds with nutritious and energy-rich food. I chose a variety of birdseed mixes from Wild Birds Unlimited. Aly Lopez/CNET I opted for various birdseed mixes from the reputable brand Wild Birds Unlimited. The company offers an assortment of bird food ranging from suet cakes to high-quality seed blends. Large bulk bags of birdseed are available for purchase, but I chose to go with a few smaller bags first to see which is the most popular among the birds in my yard. Do not give them human food Avoid setting out human food or snacks to protect your wild bird visitors and their digestive health. Certain foods, including avocado, fruit seeds and pits, bread, milk, chocolate and foods high in sugar or salt, are toxic to birds. 'We do not recommend feeding any wild bird human food. An unnatural diet doesn't provide the required nutrients that wild birds need to be healthy, and it can also result in behavioral changes, increases in illnesses and disease spread," explains Hubbard. Is it OK to have a bird feeder in your yard? Generally, having a bird feeder in your yard is fine, but it depends on your situation. While bird feeders attract various birds, they may also draw in other animals, such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, deer and bears. The presence of rodents near your bird feeder can attract predators like snakes, coyotes, hawks and owls to your space. "Some instances where it may be a good idea to remove your feeder, at least for the time being, are when you're made aware of high wildlife activity in your area, including animals such as bears or coyotes. These animals are attracted to almost any food source they can find, especially when they are easily accessible. Securing food sources can be an easy adjustment to help keep wildlife from developing a habit of visiting your yard,' said Hubbard. If you live in bear country, it's important to secure any attractants when there are sightings in your area.'If you don't want to remove the bird feeder completely, try removing it overnight when a lot of wildlife is most active, then place it back out in the morning. You can also try scattering some small amounts of birdseed in your yard during the day, which will be easy for birds to pick through but not worth it for our larger animals. Keep in mind that this may also attract smaller rodents to your yard, which could, in turn, attract predators. It is good practice to keep up with sightings in your area, and you can start by removing and securing the feeders at night," Hubbard emphasized. How often should you clean your bird feeder? 'Generally, it is recommended that bird feeders be cleaned every other week or twice a month, but this frequency should be increased if sick birds or disease is suspected. Another option is to clean the feeder every time it is emptied," said Hubbard. The frequency also depends on the type of feeder and food involved, as well as the climate. For example, hummingbird feeders require more frequent cleanings (around every three to five days), as do feeders located in especially hot or humid weather. Most bird feeders can be cleaned by removing the old seed, taking them apart and placing them in a dishwasher on a hot setting or handwashing with soap or a diluted bleach solution. Properly rinse and thoroughly dry the bird feeder before refilling it with new seed. Cleaning the ground beneath your feeder is recommended to prevent the buildup of uneaten seed and bird waste. How long will it take for birds to find the feeder? I currently have two different types of feeders: a hanging tray and the Bird Buddy Smart Feeder. The latter has a classic hopper or house shape with a solar-powered roof for coverage and a camera for capturing photos and videos as they munch. I had to fend off disappointment when my little bird friends didn't immediately swarm around the new feeders, but it can take up to a few weeks before birds interact with a new one. They are creatures of habit, and testing a new food source and landing pattern takes time. The first bird to visit my platform feeder took about three days. It took 12 days for a bird to land on the Bird Buddy feeder. I was jumping for joy when I received the notification from the Bird Buddy app that I had a visitor -- a cute mountain chickadee coming to check things out for the first time. I am confident that with abundant patience and the right food, it's only a matter of time before this feeder becomes part of their routine. This little mountain chickadee was the first to check out the Bird Buddy feeder 12 days after installing it. Bird Buddy/Aly Lopez/CNET Too long; didn't read? The most important thing to consider is the health and safety of the wild birds in your area. The placement of your bird feeder impacts the number of birds that visit and the presence of other animals and predators. Ideally, you should position your bird feeder around 10 feet away from trees or shrubs to prevent squirrels from jumping onto it. It's best to keep your feeder at least 30 feet away from windows or glass to reduce the risk of collision, a leading cause of injury and death for birds. Use high-quality feed and avoid offering human food or snacks, as many are toxic to birds. If you live in an area where bears, coyotes or foxes are frequently spotted, securing your bird feeder and any other attractants is crucial to keep these animals safe and out of your yard. Additionally, cats pose another huge threat to bird populations. If you have a cat that roams outside, it's best not to use bird feeders in your yard to ensure the birds' safety and protection. Regular cleaning of your bird feeder is essential to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to the transmission of bird sickness and disease. As fun as it is to bring all the birds to your yard, being a responsible birder is key to ensuring the birds (and you) stay safe, healthy and happy. If you have questions regarding your birding journey, the National Audubon Society is an excellent resource for bird feeding and care. Your state's wildlife department is another fantastic source for inquiring about local guidelines and assistance. It's pretty simple -- the bird feeder and type of seed you set out will influence the birds that come to your yard. Ensuring their safety is the top priority.
CBC
19-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Fredericton resident shocked as two bears land on her second-storey deck
Susan Taplin wasn't expecting company over the long weekend, and when her cats woke her up at 5 a.m. on Saturday, she never expected to find two visitors on her deck. "When the motion light came on, I expected to see a raccoon," Taplin said. "I thought, 'oh, that's pretty big for a raccoon', and I looked and it was a bear cub." It wasn't just a cub, but a mama bear. The two climbed up a beam and landed on the upper deck of her two-storey house in Fredericton. "I just couldn't, couldn't believe it," she said. Taplin said the two bears were trying to get to her bird feeders that were hanging on flag poles. She said the "black and furry" bears were hustling up and down her lawn chair trying to get their paws to the feeders that were firmly hooked to the poles. Taplin was concerned whether the bears were going to get to the feeders or break into her house through the window. "Oh, my God ... just that kind of panic, almost thought, you know, 'OK what, how am I going to get rid of them?'" She then realized that her feeders were safe. "They wouldn't have the hands to be able to loosen the pole from the flag holder," she said. At one point, the larger bear came toward Taplin's door and startled her house cat, she said. This got Taplin yelling and banging at her door, which she cracked open when the bear returned to the feeders. "They kind of looked up and then they were scurrying to get down." Taplin had set off her home's security alarm, spooking the bears. "I'm just like, 'OK, I can feel my heart racing, but you know, that's it. they're probably gone,'" she said. Taplin lives in Skyline Acres, a neighbourhood in an urban part of Fredericton with no proper forest nearby. But she said it is not unusual to sight wildlife. She said one of her neighbours also had a bear visit their backyard targeting a bird feeder about six years ago. She said they typically get raccoons, foxes and deer. "There's a lot of more animal life here than you would see in the country sometimes because of the feeders," she laughed. Before visiting Taplin at Skyline Acres, the bears were reported to be wandering around the Lisgar Street and Montgomery Street areas. This had triggered a search operation involving the Fredericton Police Force and New Brunswick's Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development. "Several officers responded," said the police in an email. The police also confirmed on Saturday that both bears wandered back into the woods on their own. CBC News reached out to the DNR, but did not hear back from the provincial department in publication time. Taplin said she was glad to hear the bears had returned safe to the woods. "This seems to be a spring thing predominantly. So they're just looking for food, I guess, as they come out of hibernation."
CTV News
12-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Backyard Birding with Sherrie Versluis
Sherrie Versluis, owner of The Preferred Perch, shares how to attract spring birds, prevent window strikes, and the benefits of feeders and bird baths.
