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I've had mine for over 2 years now, plenty of APP updates. The novelty does wear off as I get the same half dozen or so bird species visiting all the time. It is an old person thing though to enjoy. They do upsell some stuff now in the app but for the most part, no monthly fees.

To me, that only underscores the importance of asking what happens when everyone who wants this relatively expensive, niche product has one, and the company's revenue contracts. IMO, the primary challenge for companies like this is achieving enough liquidity to not *have* to have a subscription model unless it's low enough and provides significant value for it but that too necessitates volume. The more niche you are, the harder that is.
 
Where I live I’d just see a mob of Starlings eviscerate my bird feed in a matter of minutes, while the poor little Blue Tits look on forlornly.
 
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I endorse this content, but I also want a cat tax!

This is a cool product with a lot of thought put into it. However the price is hefty and the subscription is a hugh turnoff. This is something I would glance at in season and maybe a few times a month; so not something that needs an ongoing financial commitment. Parks are free.
 
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Note: Bird Buddy provided MacRumors with a Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Roof for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

No thank you. I can see the birds for free too…from my windows and with no other compensation too.
 
What design is your feeder?
I went through various things, but I settled on an upside-down suet block feeder that only one of my resident Starlings can figure out how to use.

I put out a little half coconut filled with suet one day and the Starlings annihilated it.

To be honest I also keep a basic tube feeder because I feel bad for my Robin that helps me with the gardening and can only use the tube. I just have to accept the Starlings’ gluttony. It’s nice that my biggest stress in life is how to discourage Starlings from the garden.
 
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First time hearing of this product. Seems like a great gift for bird/wildlife lovers.

Note: birds love seeds, especially black sunflower seeds, and while it’s nutritious and healthy, it’s also high in fat and can lead to long-term health issues if fed too much. It’s best to feed them during winter when they most need help finding food. Also, birds get sick easily so feeders should be cleaned thoroughly every week or two and it’s ok to leave it empty every so often... wild birds are meant to forage, not be hand fed for our viewing pleasure.
 
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In a few years the app won't work anymore and you're stuck with a 300 dollar paperweight. How much of the garbage that worked with a smartphone app from like 2012 still works?
The bird feeder is first & foremost, a bird feeder. It is a bird feeder with a camera. If the app/camera/whatever stops working, you still have a bird feeder. Is it an expensive bird feeder? Yes, if that's all that you want. For people who enjoy nature, birds in particular, & who happen to be gadget geeks, it's a very cool thing to have. The app is definitely what makes this special, & as the article stated, it has a ways to go with the AI but what they are shooting for & what will be possible as AI gets better, has the makings of something that is both fun & educational.

I also like the ability to see other people's feeders, from around the world. It's awesome to see the different types of birds that they have in Australia, or Germany, or Alaska, eating at the feeder.

I love my Bird Buddy & have a Hummingbird Buddy coming from their second crowd source. When they have a Woodpecker Bird Buddy, I'll get that, too, because I have lots of different birds where I am. But, with the price, I do realize that it is not for the casual birder. If, though, you really love feeding the birds, get a variety, & have the money, I highly recommend it :).


If you buy this, don’t bother with the solar panel roof. It is near worthless.
I love the solar panel & would not be without it. Does yours not charge your camera well?



Seventeen bucks; just bought one. Highly recommended. Ceramic and weather-proof, and looks convincingly like rubber even up close. Uncanny and cute. Spending $300 bucks on a birdfeeder with an additional subscription is certifiably insane. Leave the birds be birds and watch them from your house window and appreciate them for what they are.
I think that those of us who are certifiably insane would disagree.
 
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There are cheaper versions out there - I got my wife Netvue and the app called Birdfy works great.

She loves it and because it’s in our backyard facing the patio, it doubles as handy outdoor security camera too. Video and image quality are great!
 
I was sold until I got to the price. Great idea though.
 
MR reviews of new AirPods aren't this long....
I seriously scrolled to what looked like the bottom of the review, because I wanted to see the only important thing - the pictures that it takes.

NOPE.

But click the link to "read more" and there they are, the thing in the story that matters. It's malpractice of basic visual communications. Put just one photo that it took near the top of the story, it's more important than having us see what a cup of bird seed looks like. 🐤
 
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This is definitely for the birds.

On a serious note, it's pretty cool if this is your thing but I wonder about companies like this that may struggle over time and eventually shut down, leaving you with an app that potentially stops working with a future, incompatible OS update.
A valid concern. If that happens at least it’s only a bird feeder. It’s not like it’s a car… with various features that are dependent on cloud connectivity. Sorry, Fisker car owners. Hopefully everything works out. What a mess that all is. Why does a sunroof needed to be connected to a cloud server to open?!?
 
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I've noticed the real life product is different from the presentation image. Is this for real or is the product in the photos an older model?

The product in the presentation image looks sleek but the real life looks like only bended metal.
If I would ordered and be like that, I would return.
 

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There is no built-in protection from squirrels, raccoons, and other critters on the Bird Buddy, which is a downside.
Darn! I was eagerly anticipating a description of how the food is only dispensed if the AI camera detects actual birds.

 
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Where I live I’d just see a mob of Starlings eviscerate my bird feed in a matter of minutes, while the poor little Blue Tits look on forlornly.
Why was asking what design was your bird feeder funny? Starlings have trouble with some bird feeders.
 
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