Two Budget Smart Bird Feeders Compared: Birdbuddy Nook vs. Birdfy Rookie
A Wired reviewer spent four weeks testing two new smart bird feeders priced under $100. Birdbuddy's Nook came out slightly ahead thanks to sturdier build and a better camera.
US technology outlet Wired has compared two new app-connected smart bird feeders with built-in cameras: the Birdbuddy Nook and the Birdfy Rookie. The two companies are the most popular brands in this niche, and both now offer models under $100, a price that would have been $200 or more a year or two ago. Wired commerce editor Kat Merck tested each feeder in her backyard for four weeks and named the Nook the overall winner, even though it costs $20 more.
Birdfy Rookie
The Rookie costs $80 and is aimed at beginners. It charges via USB-C, has no solar panel (available on a pricier model), and is easy to assemble. It holds 1.3 liters of seed and can be mounted on a pole or wall, but not hung.
On the plus side, it uses the same app as the more expensive Birdfy feeders. As of November 1, unlimited automatic AI bird identification is available without a subscription, and it made almost no mistakes in testing. The 1080p camera captured every visiting bird, though it also produced many false motion alerts.
The downsides: the roof has no overhang, so rain gets into the seed; the loose lid blew off in strong wind; and the side-mounted camera handled larger birds less well. Birdfy advertises seven weeks of battery life, but the test unit lasted under two.
Birdbuddy Nook
The Nook costs $99 and launched in late October. It has thick plastic construction, a roof, and a hinged lid that makes refilling easy. The camera records in 2K HDR, with noticeably crisper image and sound, and can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The feeder can be hung, or mounted on a wall or pole.
Its drawbacks: the seed hopper holds just 0.9 liters, and seed sometimes vanished within a day; the centered camera gets dirty faster; the mount is loose on a 1-inch pole; and the camera still missed many visits. A new app feature can identify birds by sound, but it is currently a free preview.
Verdict
Wired considers the Rookie a respectable option for less money, but gives the edge to the Nook as the more complete package that should hold up better in bad weather.
