DIY A Smart Bird Feeder By Repurposing Your Old Security Camera

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There's something therapeutic about bird-watching. It's calming and oddly addictive once you start noticing different species showing up at your feeder. But unless you're permanently stationed near the window like a feline with trust issues, chances are you're missing the most exciting visits. Fortunately, your old security camera can do the watching for you. Yep, the one gathering dust in a drawer after you upgraded to something sleeker. Whether it's an old home security unit or a spare garage cam, as long as it connects to your network and can ping you when something moves, you're good to go. 

A transparent window feeder allows your camera to be set up indoors and still catch all the action. You can find sturdy models, such as the DY-SKTY clear window bird feeder and the Nature's Way bird feeder, complete with drainage holes and multiple suction cups for a reliable hold.

The bird feeder setup will turn your backyard into a live bird-watching spot. So, instead of letting your camera sulk in retirement, you can put it back to work with a completely different job description. The idea is simple. Mount a bird feeder in a peaceful corner, position the camera just right, and let it capture the daily chirps and the occasional squirrel heist. Plus, it's one of those rare DIYs that doesn't involve hardware store runs or buying obscure screws you'll never use again. 

When it comes to setting up your smart bird feeder, location is key to attracting a diverse variety of birds and getting those crisp clips you'll want to rewatch (and maybe flex a little on Instagram). Birds generally prefer a calm environment, so a kitchen or living room window facing a tranquil yard is a good option. And since you'll likely spend time in the kitchen or living room anyway, you'll catch the action in real-time while still being able to monitor footage indoors, right from your comfort zone.

Install the window feeder, and give it a gentle tug to make sure it's secure. Then, position your camera inside the window, pointing toward the feeder. Make sure you keep the lens a little off the glass to avoid glare. You can use your camera's app to check the angle and adjust until the feeder's fully in the frame. Once your camera's in place, set up motion alerts. Most camera apps let you adjust sensitivity, so play around with the settings until you're only getting pinged for bird activity and not every time a leaf twitches. Enable notifications and automatic recording so you can watch footage later. 

Finally, fill the feeder and let nature do its thing. Choose the types of bird seeds likely to attract your favorite birds, such as black oil sunflower or fine millet for smaller songbirds. It might take a few hours, or a few days, for the local bird crowd to discover the feeder, but once they do, it's surprisingly rewarding to watch them return again and again.

When choosing the best location for your smart feeder, installing it close to vegetation offers birds a nearby exit route, which makes them feel more secure. They're more likely to visit your feeder if they know they can dart back into a bush or tree if a predator shows up. But avoid placing it right in the middle of the foliage. While leaves can obstruct the camera or trigger false alerts, the bigger concern is bird safety. Dense shrubs can give predators easy cover and access to feeding birds. A bit of open space gives birds a safer place to eat. 

This DIY works with any type of bird feeder, whether it's on a window, pole-mounted, or you DIY a gorgeous bird feeder. If you opt for a freestanding feeder, you'll need to place the camera outdoors or in a nearby sheltered spot, positioned to get a clear view without exposing the device to weather damage. If you live on an upper floor, your balcony railing might be your best bet. Mounting a feeder there gives birds easy access to food and offers you plenty of sunlight and a unique vantage point. Just position the camera under the balcony ceiling or inside a window for a low-maintenance bird-watching setup.