Guide to choosing the best binoculars for birdwatchingGuide to choosing the best binoculars for birdwatching

Birds are fascinating–we love everything from their chirps to their colors to the mysterious ways in which they seem to fly. But observing them up close can be difficult–most are cautious around humans, and for good reasons. That’s why cellular bird feeder cams can be so useful–they offer a front-row ticket to the show, providing viewers with a discrete way to learn about their lives, instincts, and interactions with the world around them. Cellular bird feeder cams provide a unique and unobtrusive way to observe these behaviors up close. So what should you look for? Here are some examples of what a cell bird feeder cam can show.

1. Feeding Patterns and Preferences

Probably the first thing you will notice when you get alerts of activity at your bird feeder are how and what different birds eat. You can see who is there, when they are there, how often they come back, and even what they like to munch on. You can use this information to fine-tune your feeder setup with the optimal mix of bird feed.

2. Social Interactions and Hierarchies

Many birds are social, and your feeder cam can show who they interact with and how those interactions play out. You can see when birds feed together or feed alone, and when they perch together or alone. You can even see them fighting. These interactions can reveal pecking orders among different species and even within the same species. This provides fascinating insight into how birds establish and maintain their territories.

3. Courtship and Mating Behavior

Most birds court and mate from the spring through early summer, and this is on display when they eat. If you’re lucky, your bird feeder cam may capture these rituals in detail. You might see males display their plumage, dance, or sing to attract a mate. You might even see a couple feed each other as they bond.

These behaviors are often subtle and last seconds, meaning you’re likely to miss them if you are simply spying on them feeding at an old feeder. Bird feeder cams not only capture these moments, but they alert your smartphone as they are occurring and provide ways to save the footage so you can view it later and share it with friends.

4. Nesting

How birds nest is largely hidden from the eyes of most normal bird watchers, but those with a well-placed cellular bird feeder cam and a bit of luck might get to witness these events. Feeders located near a nesting site might capture birds gathering nesting materials.

5. Seasonal and Migratory Patterns

Bird behavior changes with the season, and a feeder cam can show this happen in real-time. With the changing seasons comes different species, and by using your bird feeder cam you might see the arrival of birds not seen in months. The spring and fall are typical times when you may see migrating birds. Also, by reviewing footage from different times of the year, you may see how bird feeding habits change with the seasons. In general, spring migration happens quickly, while fall migration is much longer.

6. Problem-Solving and Intelligence

Birds are smart, and some are surprisingly good at solving problems. Your cellular bird feeder may capture these traits in action. For example, crows and jays, which are adept problem-solvers, may even learn to use tools to get at food stuck in a feeder, or outsmart other birds seeking food from the same unit. You may even hear jays mimicking the calls of raptors like a red-tailed hawk, to trick birds into thinking there is danger nearby–which frees up the feeder for themselves!

7. Health and Wellbeing

Your bird feeder camera can tell you how healthy the birds that visit your feeder are. By looking closely at images, you may notice signs of injury or even illness, which could be displayed through lethargic behavior, poor feather conditions, or difficulty flying.

Get the Right Bird Feeder Camera to Capture These Moments

A cellular bird feeder camera is your ticket to observing bird behavior, learning about feeding patterns, and even discovering how hatchlings are raised. Make sure your camera is equipped to capture all these moments–insist on a cell bird feeder cam with a wide field of view, clear and fast photography, and a durable design that can withstand the elements. Also make sure your cam is paired with a smart app that lets you monitor the unit from afar and sends you updates the moment activity is detected. Learn more about the FeatherSnap cellular bird feeder cam here.