By Milcah Tanimu
Bird enthusiasts have a new, high-tech way to enjoy bird feeding and birdwatching. Bird Buddy, an AI-powered bird feeder, not only provides food for birds but also captures candid photos of visiting birds and identifies their species.
The CEO of Bird Buddy, Franci Zidar, explained that this innovative product utilizes artificial intelligence technology to capture clear and captivating snapshots of birds as they land to feed. When a bird lands, the smart bird feeder automatically takes a photo and identifies the species. It then sends a notification with the photo and bird information to the owner’s mobile device.
For each identified bird, Bird Buddy offers a custom-built profile with fun and educational facts about the bird’s food preferences and unique songs, making it an engaging tool for bird enthusiasts.
Bird Buddy also operates a live network that displays the captured images in real-time on an online feed.
To develop its AI model, Bird Buddy’s team, which includes an in-house ornithologist, placed hundreds of cameras worldwide to collect data on various bird species. This data was used to train the AI model to recognize birds accurately.
Bird Buddy’s learning model has amassed a vast dataset, with over a million detections occurring globally each day. This technology is poised to facilitate bird migration analysis and other important research for bird conservation.
Bird Buddy’s mission extends beyond birdwatching; it aims to reconnect people with nature, as bird feeding ranks as the second-largest outdoor hobby in the United States, attracting around 70 million enthusiasts.
The CEO envisions that Bird Buddy’s technology could eventually identify specific birds that interact with the cameras, aiding researchers in tracking individual birds without physical tagging.
Additionally, Bird Buddy is expanding its network with the launch of Bird Buddy Explore. This initiative allows people, whether or not they own a smart feeder, to access feeders in 30 remote locations worldwide. These cameras can be accessed through the Bird Buddy app for free, providing users with a glimpse of exotic destinations and bird life.
Beyond entertainment, Bird Buddy promotes mental health and environmental stewardship. Research shows that a stronger connection to nature leads to increased happiness and lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Feeding birds becomes a simple way for individuals to contribute to environmental protection and give back to nature. Bird Buddy continues to innovate with accessories such as the Bird Buddy Perch Extender and 3-in-1 Nutrition Set, enhancing the bird-feeding experience for enthusiasts.
Bird Buddy’s mission reflects a growing interest in connecting people with nature and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility while offering a delightful and educational birdwatching experience.
