The Best Smart Bird Feeders for Backyard Birding

you’ve probably seen a smart bird feeder or know someone who has one. They’re recognizable with their clear housing, cameras, and solar panels, and perhaps a friend or family member has sent you a photo or video of a bright goldfinch or handsome woodpecker (guilty). The question at this point, then, is whether these things are really worth the $100-plus price tag. Are they actually durable? And what about the squirrel problem?

Lucky for you, I’ve been testing the most popular smart bird feeder models, including Netvue’s original Birdfy Lite Feeder and Birdbuddy's Pro, for almost two years—in rain, snow, and heat, and in a yard with persistent squirrels. I’ve explored the apps and notification settings, examined the photo and video quality, noted which features are hidden behind a subscription paywall, and used Cornell Lab’s All About ...