Review: CoolFly Aura Smart Bird Feeder

Easy, tool-free assembly. Quality 4-MP photos and 2.5K Ultra HD video. Seed hopper pulls out for easy refilling. Reliable built-in solar charging. Customizable camera placement. AI ID without a subscription.

Having tested smart bird feeders for WIRED for almost two years, I've seen my fair share of interesting camera placements. There's the traditional middle-of-the-device setup, as seen in classic models like Birdbuddy's, but I've also seen cameras on the side (as with Birdfy's new Rookie) or even dual-camera models with one in the middle and one on the side (like Birdfy's Feeder 2 Duo). I had not, however, until now seen a feeder that lets the user place the camera on the left or right, as well as horizontally or vertically. Is this actually a feature worth paying nearly $300 for? I used CoolFly's new Aura in my yard ...