Birdfy Bamboo Smart Bird Feeder Step-by-Step Install Guide and Review
After several frustrating weeks battling terrible weather and uncooperative wildlife while attempting external photography, I decided to focus on what I can control: my garden setup. This week, I'm installing a brand-new smart bird feeder right here in my backyard. I was recently sent the Birdfy Feeder Bamboo: Smart Feeder with Full HD Camera—a fantastic tool that connects directly to your phone, allowing you to watch and record bird activity instantly.
Choosing the Perfect Location
Finding the right spot is crucial for bird safety and successful viewing. Although the corner of my studio wall isn't strictly ideal (due to a nearby nesting box), I decided on this location for a critical reason: safety cover.
By placing the feeder next to a large, dense bush and near my established holly tree, birds have immediate refuge if a bird of prey, like a Sparrowhawk, swoops in. This quick escape option is essential for encouraging small birds to visit and feel safe.
Installation Tip: Always place feeders near dense shrubs or trees to provide birds with immediate cover from predators.
🛠️ Unboxing, Assembly, and Weatherproofing
The Birdfy feeder features a body made primarily from bamboo wood, boasting an IP66 waterproof rating. While the built-in weather resistance is reassuring, given past experiences with outdoor wood warping (a recent squirrel nut box quickly bowed and twisted), I plan an extra step:
"I will get some spray yacht varnish and just give the whole thing a coating just to add a bit more weatherproofness to it."
This simple DIY coating should add peace of mind and significantly extend the feeder's lifespan against the elements.
Key Components Unboxed:
- Feeder Body: Made of sustainable bamboo with a mounting bracket attached.
- HD Camera: Fits neatly inside the enclosure.
- Solar Panel: Essential for continuous power. It comes with a long mounting bracket, perfect for positioning towards the sun (which travels high above my garden throughout the day in summer).
- Accessories: Wall plugs, screws, USB charging cable (for initial charge), and an antenna for Wi-Fi connection.
🔋 Solar Power & Camera Setup
The bird feeder camera is solar-powered, eliminating the need for constant battery swaps. I installed the solar panel high on the fascia board, positioning it where it will catch maximum sunlight throughout the day. The cable feeds directly into the camera unit.
Before Installation: Before securing the camera into its slot, remember to take a clear photo of the QR code on the camera's base. This code is crucial for registering the device to your account on the Birdfy app.
Installation Steps:
- Screw the main mounting bracket onto the wall.
- Attach the wooden feeder box to the bracket.
- Install the solar panel in a sun-optimized location and run the cable to the feeder.
- Connect the antenna and the solar cable to the camera's USB-C port.
- Position the camera inside the box (ensure the USB port faces upwards).
The Birdfy Feeder Bamboo is generous in capacity, holding nearly a kilogram (3L capacity) of birdseed. Once filled, the feeder is ready for its digital connection.
📲 App Connection and Smart Features
Connecting the camera to the Birdfy app was seamless:
- Scan the saved QR code within the app.
- Connect the camera to the local Wi-Fi network.
- Follow the voice prompts (pressing the power button for three seconds until the blue indicator light flashes).
The system immediately sends a motion alert notification to the phone, confirming the camera is live. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for the Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, and Robins (who were watching the whole process unfold!) to discover their new feeding spot.
Key Birdfy Feeder Bamboo Features Overview:
- Capacity: Generous 3 Liter seed capacity (approx. 1 kg of feed).
- Vision: Full Color Night Vision.
- AI Recognition: Offers AI Bird Recognition (via subscription after a 7-day free trial), allowing automatic identification of visiting species.
- Audio: Built-in microphone to hear the birds, and a two-way microphone feature allowing you to speak through the camera to deter unwanted visitors (like squirrels).
- Sharing: Easily share camera access with friends and family via a QR code.
- Warranty: Comes with a two-year warranty.
🌱 My Garden Wildlife Setup
To provide context, here are the other wildlife installations in my garden:
- Suet Feeders & Squirrel Box: Placed in the tree to divert Gray Squirrels away from the main bird feeders, offering them a dedicated nut supply.
- Bird Bath: A simple boot tray cleverly repurposed and set up within the ivy, providing water for drinking and bathing.
- Nesting Boxes: We have a Blue Tit box on the wall and a specific nesting spot within the ivy where Doves previously nested.
The Birdfy feeder bamboo is a welcome addition to this thriving environment. I look forward to capturing some high-quality footage and photos soon. If you’re looking to get into bird photography this season, now is the time to set up your feeder!
▶️ Watch the Full Video Review
To see the Birdfy Bamboo Feeder installation and setup process in action, and to watch the first bird visitors arrive, view the complete video review below.
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