CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — When Marin Plank gifted her husband a camera-equipped bird feeder for his birthday, she had no interest in birds. By Christmas, however, her newfound passion for birdwatching had taken over, with bird-themed gifts like books, stickers, and notecards dominating her holiday haul.
“This is who I am now,” Plank said, reflecting on her unexpected obsession.
Plank’s bird photos, shared on Facebook, have sparked conversations with acquaintances on the street. Her deep dive into research has led to discovering the best birdseed blend and subscribing to a premium delivery service for giant bags of it to her Delaware home.
It all began with the Bird Buddy app, which sends users postcards featuring photos and video clips from its smart feeders. “You just click, and there’s a bird staring at you, almost posing,” Plank explained. “Their goofy little faces and expressive eyes drew me in, and now I’m hooked.”
A Growing Trend Amid Declining Populations
As North American bird populations decline, birdwatching is paradoxically gaining popularity. While the pandemic encouraged outdoor exploration, smart feeders have brought the joy of birdwatching indoors.
Franci Zidar, founder and CEO of Bird Buddy, which has sold 350,000 smart feeders since 2022, said the devices appeal to casual enthusiasts. “Hardcore birdwatching can be demanding, but most U.S. backyards host 20 to 30 species people often overlook,” Zidar explained.
Unlike traditional feeders, which cater to altruistic instincts by feeding birds, smart feeders add the thrill of capturing photos and videos. “It combines the joy of nurturing nature with the excitement of observing it up close,” Zidar said.
Bird Buddy’s success has spurred innovation. At CES in Las Vegas, the company unveiled plans for new products, including Petal, a flower-shaped camera, and Wonder Blocks, habitats for butterflies and insects. A Kickstarter campaign is planned for spring.
“We’re not asking people to do extraordinary things,” Zidar said. “By simply pointing a camera at nature, we deliver captivating stories and glimpses of life in their own backyards.”
Transformative Impact on Birdwatchers
For Judy Ashley in Ipswich, Massachusetts, her Bird Buddy has become a favorite among her 11 feeders. Recently, it helped her photograph a rare yellow-throated warbler in her yard. “The details you can see up close are amazing,” she said.
In Austin, Texas, Rachel Matthews uses three camera-equipped feeders, including one for hummingbirds. “I’ve always loved birdwatching, but these feeders bring a whole new level of detail,” she said. “Seeing the vibrant feathers and intricate markings is phenomenal.”
Conservation Collaboration
The National Audubon Society recently partnered with Bird Buddy to enhance bird conservation awareness. Nicolas Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the society, noted the potential for smart feeders to provide valuable data to scientists. “This partnership fosters appreciation for birds and supports conservation efforts,” he said.
A Personal Connection
In Delaware, Plank has developed a fondness for her frequent feathered visitors, from a bold female Red-winged blackbird to charismatic blue jays she likens to “drunk uncles.” The real-time alerts and notifications from her feeder bring her joy.
“It’s a little spark of happiness,” Plank said. “There’s something special about being reminded of this lovely part of the world in the middle of your day.”