Ive got a bird feeder and a wildlife camera (motion activated) and was wondering if anyone had any good ideas of how to set it up to catch the birds on my feeder.
I mainly want to do this because I am not at home most of the day and therefore dont always know if there is anything on my feeders.
I have tried before but the camera wasnt close enough because of the birds being so small that it didnt pick them up.
Factors that affect choosing a camera to record your bird feeder
Selecting a camera that is adequate for recording your bird feeder may not be a simple task because there are a number of factors to consider. Some of the considerations when selecting a camera for your bird feeder include the following.
1. Power Source:
When purchasing a camera for observing birds, this is a crucial consideration. Is there an electric outlet close by where you plan to install your camera? If not, it’s likely because the bird feeder is located in a remote area far from your home, so it would be best to get one of those wireless cameras that run on batteries, like the Reolink Argus 2.
These battery-powered cameras only activate when motion is detected because the battery life will be a concern. However, you might find it too much trouble to deal with the issues associated with a wireless camera that runs on batteries. Should this be the case, choosing a PoE/wired camera might be your best option.
2. Recording Time:
When you plan to record with the camera will also determine the kind of camera you get. Is it daytime or nighttime? In the daylight, practically any camera can easily record everything that occurs, whether it’s inside the birdhouse or outside near the bird feeder.
Whenever possible, choose a camera that will allow you to see what’s happening in low light and at night if you plan to record. This is the ideal situation for a camera with night vision capabilities, especially since many birds are nocturnal creatures. Some camera to go for would include.
3. Camera Resolution:
The resolution of the camera you use is crucial because it will affect the quality of the videos you get, whether you plan to stream live or just record. You must purchase expensive bird feeder cameras that can provide you with the clear videos you desire. As a general rule, choose cameras with 1080p resolution or higher. Reolink 5MP PoE Outdoor/Indoor Camera, Campark Trail Camera, and numerous other models are a few examples.
Investing in a 4K camera could greatly improve your videos if you plan to watch your streaming or recordings on a bigger screen, such as a TV. When purchasing a camera, it’s a good idea to carefully review the specifications before making your purchase.
We recommend 3 solutions for bird feeder cameras:
| Bird Feeder Cameras | Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi camera | WiFi support, small size to fit in the birdhouse | $70~$80 |
| PoE camera | single network cable, high resolution | $60~$70 |
| True wire-free camera | rechargeable battery, solar-powered camera. | $70~$80 |
These three solutions differ primarily in their power supply sources, which inevitably results in variations in their wiring techniques.
- Wifi camera: Use the power adapter to supply power.
- PoE camera: network cable for both network and power supply
- True wire-free camera: ie, the battery camera. No wires are needed. Can be repeatedly charged, can be paired with solar panels.
We describe the benefits and prerequisites for each of these three solutions in the following section. You can select the best option based on your requirements and circumstances.
The WiFi camera is the best option because it strikes the ideal mix between needs and functionality. It was the greatest fit for the bird feeder scenario, in our opinion. Its benefits include small size, simple wiring and installation, and WiFi data transmission.
Step 1: Select an Ideal location for your bird feeder cam setup.
Your wireless camera can be installed inside a birdhouse or next to a feeder. To accomplish this, drill a hole in the birdhouse and point the camera outside.
Keep in mind that it’s ideal to use security cameras that are smaller and easier to fit into birdhouses; however, if you don’t have a birdhouse and just have a bird feeder, Directly position the camera in front of the birdhouse, making sure it is well-sheltered.
Please be aware that using tiny security cameras, which are simple to install in the birdhouse, is the best option. However, if all you have is a bird feeder and no birdhouse, you can position the camera right in front of the birdhouse as long as it is well-sheltered.
What About A True Wire-free Bird Feeder Camera?
You can actually observe birds while “wire-free” with this method. “wire-free” here refers to-no power cord and no network cable. This “wireless” camera features a rechargingable internal battery. Additionally, you can connect your camera to an external solar panel to eliminate the need for you to worry about the camera’s power supply.
What is the issue with “wire-free” cameras? Considering the need to minimize battery consumption, the frame rate of the video captured by this camera is not high, or the FPS is low. As a result, the video quality will be lower than that of the PoE camera. Once more, “True wire-free” cameras are unable to record continuously because of problems with battery power. It is only going to work when you launch the client preview.
Generally speaking, you have to choose between something being “true wire-free” and its “shortcomings.” “.
FAQ
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