The Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case brings birds to your outdoor security cam

The low-cost Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is helping bird-watching coast into the digital age — without breaking the bank. Now, instead of telling everyone how you saw that beautiful Northern Cardinal snacking on your bird seed, this smart, weatherproof camera case will let you prove it for well under $100.

Unlike much pricier connected bird feeders with built-in cameras like the Netvue Birdfy Lite, the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is simply an entry-level casing and perch that lets you insert your own outdoor security camera to capture and share all that live bird action.

I decided to try this less expensive option to ease me into bird-watching, and after a month of using the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case in my garden, I love how much more attuned I’ve become to the birds (and the chipmunks who try to eat their food). And when I’m not home, I get smartphone notifications so I can watch and share live videos. (Note: I also found scrolling through chirping videos way more relaxing than looking at my Twitter feed.)

Ready to trade in your binoculars and find your new obsession? Here’s what you need to know about this reasonably priced, nature-forward selfie cam for birds.

What we liked about it

Camera sold separately: More choice, less hassle

While most smart feeders on the market come with a built-in camera, the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is essentially a birdhouse built to protect one of the compatible security cameras you purchase separately. This includes the Ring Stick Up Cam, Blink Outdoor Camera, Wyze Cam V3, Wyze Cam V3 Pro and Wyze Cam Outdoor, ranging from about $35 to $99. And, as a bonus, if you already have one of these security systems in place, it’s even easier to add the bird feeder to your digital ecosystem via the app. If you don’t, you’ll have to download the app and set up an account. I also liked this because even if you choose to start with a lower-cost camera, you can decide to trade up in the future (and add the camera you have to your home security system).

However, because the Wasserstein Bird Feeder eschews its own app, whichever smart camera you choose will guide your birding experience. I suggest checking for features like HD quality, two-way talk and night vision before you decide.

Because I already have a Ring video doorbell, I chose the midrange Ring Stick Up Cam ($70) with 1080p HD video. Since I’m already familiar with how the Ring app works, I quickly set up the bird feeder camera to record on motion as well as send live notifications of visitors to my feeder. This let me choose to run outside and catch them IRL or scroll through the videos later. Seeing a house finch appear to be looking right at me in vibrant colors was a delight.

Smart bird-watching for a budget price

Adding your own camera also keeps the price lower, even if you decide to add the most expensive one. With a base of $55, it’s a softer landing into the smart bird feeder category.

Extra security

Not for nothing, but having a smart bird feeder also gives you access to an extra layer of outdoor security. Not only do you get to see photos and videos of birds playing on your feed perch, but it also lets you monitor that area in real time.

My bird feeder was set up in my backyard so it wouldn’t pick up the motion of cars or people passing by in front. Of course, like any smart product that works with your Wi-Fi, the distance you can place the camera away from your home will depend on how far your Wi-Fi reaches.

What we didn’t like about it

Housing seems ‘cheep’

Even though the digital user experience for the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is tied to the camera capabilities, it’s important that the housing be sturdy as well as easy to assemble. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time setting up and maintaining the bird feeder.

It was hard enough making sure the camera was nestled securely in place and aligned just right to ensure the proper camera angle, but the plastic housing that slides and clicks together did not feel sturdy, and I was constantly worried about breaking it as I clicked the pieces into place.

There are two ways to attach the bird feeder to a tree. You can attach it using the included strap, which is fed through slots on the sides, or by screwing the provided metal wall mounts into a large tree or a wall. I didn’t want to permanently drill holes into a wall or a tree, so I opted for hanging it using the strap. While it’s an easier option, you’ll need two people to do it — one to hold the bird feeder in place and one to pull the straps to tighten them.

No built-in bird identification

The one downside I found to not having a specific app for the feeder was the lack of a built-in database to help you identify what you’re seeing. Without that, I had to do my own research to identify the birds I wasn’t familiar with, though I did find free apps online to help with this, such as the Audubon Bird Guide and Merlin Bird ID.

Battery charging is a pain

Anyone who uses a wireless security camera knows it needs to be recharged. A lot. And unfortunately, the bird feeder camera will likely run down even faster. In fact, I had to recharge after less than a week of use, which is a serious pain in the beak. Not only did I have to take down the bird feeder by removing the straps, opening the housing and removing the camera, but then I had to bring it indoors to charge. The process took a ton of effort, so eventually I relocated the feeder to my deck for a quicker recharge.

However, Wasserstein does offer a hack with an optional solar panel that will charge the camera’s battery without having to take it out. While it adds about $35 to the total cost, I’d say it’s worth it.

How it compares

Smart feeders typically consist of a plastic housing with a roof, a perch for the birds and a waterproof compartment to protect the camera from rain and wind. Beyond that, differences include camera experience, cloud storage, solar charging and an AI bird database. As you would expect, you get what you pay for.

If you want a fully functional, all-in-one smart bird feeder, the Netvue Birdfy Lite ($200) and Netvue Birdfy AI ($240) both have a built-in camera that records on motion and alerts you to visitors. But only the more expensive Netvue Birdfy AI has an AI algorithm that recognizes more than 6,000 species of birds, and includes a solar panel in the package. It is also more comprehensive, providing seven days of free cloud storage for the videos.

The soon-to-be-released Bird Buddy ($200), with its built-in camera, has an extensive database of bird species as well as videos of other Bird Buddy birds in your community, uploaded by users. It also offers an optional solar panel for charging.

Bottom line

The $55 Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is an affordable and fun way to bring bird-watching into the digital age. It allows you to see your feathered friends up close and personal, in vibrant colors, even when you’re not at home — and lets you share them with your friends or on social media. Plus, it’s an extra set of eyes on the outside of your home.

While it’s not the sturdiest bird feeder on the market, it’s also one of the least expensive, making it an attractive and affordable way to interact with all the birds that visit your home.

Having the option to choose from one of the three compatible cameras means you can buy something that already works with the ecosystem you’re used to without having to add yet another app into the mix. It gives you the features of a security camera, such as live viewing and motion recording, including people, something bird feeders with built-in cameras don’t usually offer.

If you’re a serious bird-watcher who would appreciate a companion app that helps identify birds, you might want to look at the Netvue Birdfy AI, a pricier smart feeder that focuses more on the birding aspect of the hobby. But if you want to keep it real and check out the birds in your area while sharing videos with friends and family, the Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case is a fine, low-cost choice.