TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors is one of life’s little pleasures. Visiting your local nature trail or taking a scenic hike every day isn’t feasible for most people. Stepping into the backyard, however, is a much more accessible solution.
While your backyard might not compare to the awe-inspiring views of a national park, there are ways to make it feel more in tune with nature. Adding shrubs and trees to your yard can go a long way, but the simplest way to bring nature to your backyard is by shopping for a bird feeder.
Benefits of a bird feeder
Watching the wildlife that visits your bird feeder isn’t just an enjoyable pastime. There are very real benefits you can expect from investing in a bird feeder. Birds have the most obvious benefit from a bird feeder: giving them the nutrients and energy they require for migration and survival. However, bird watching and being in nature can also have a positive impact on your mental health and physical health according to researchers. On top of that, having birds around can lead to fewer pests and weeds in your yard, as they like to snack on insects and seeds outside of the feeder.
Smart bird feeders vs. traditional bird feeders
If you’re shopping online for a bird feeder, you’ll soon find there’s a huge market with nearly endless options at your fingertips. The easiest way to guide your search is to decide if you want a regular bird feeder or a smart bird feeder.
Smart bird feeders upgrade the traditional bird feeder design by adding a built-in camera that alerts you anytime a bird comes up for a bite. You can think of it like a video doorbell for the birds in your backyard. With a regular bird feeder, you could miss the visit from a beautiful blue jay or vibrant cardinal if you’re not nearby to witness it, but with a smart bird feeder, you’ll stay aware of all the goings-on.
The main disadvantage of a smart bird feeder compared to a basic bird feeder is that it’s going to be quite a bit more expensive. Smart bird feeders can retail for over $100, and some require subscriptions if you want long-term cloud storage or automatic AI-identification of birds. That being said, you can frequently find good deals on smart bird feeders if you don’t want to break the bank. For example, the highly rated Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder at Walmart is 50% off currently, bringing the original $178 price tag down to just $89. Amazon’s limited-time deal on the Soliom Smart Hummingbird Feeder is also particularly noteworthy, with a deep discount of 62% off.
Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder
Soliom Smart Hummingbird Feeder
Choosing the right bird feeder
After deciding if a smart bird feeder or regular bird feeder is better suited for your needs, you’ll still need to narrow down your search.
When it comes to smart bird feeders, there are a few differences to consider. A solar-powered option, like the Nafnti Solar-Powered Smart Bird Feeder that’s 55% off at Walmart, will provide convenience for those who don’t want to recharge the camera battery. Also think about what birds will visit your yard. Finches and doves, compared to hummingbirds, will require different food and different feeders.
With regular bird feeders, there’s even more to consider. Squirrels love birdseed, so if you have them nearby, squirrel-proof bird feeders, like the DreamDrawer Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder, can be a big help for keeping them at bay. If you want a bird feeder that offers the best view of the birds, a window-mounted selection can provide a close-up glance without a camera. Above all, a bird feeder can serve as a decoration that elevates your outdoor space. There are just about every shape, size, and color you can imagine, and bird feeder options like the Tepaken Decorative Bird Feeder and Lantern even double as lighting for a piece of artwork on your lawn.
Nafnti Solar-Powered Smart Bird Feeder
Dreamdrawer Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Tepaken Decorative Bird Feeder and Lantern
Bird feeder deals, starting at $2
To help you on your search for the perfect bird feeder, we’ve rounded up the best bird feeder deals from Walmart and Amazon below. If you want affordability above all else, the Pennington Feeding Frenzy EZ-Fill Suet Basket Wild Bird Feeder is the cheapest option, available for just $2 at Walmart. If you want an affordable smart bird feeder, the Navfs Smart Solar Bird Feeder is on sale for just $30 with 50% off at Amazon.
Pennington Feeding Frenzy EZ-Fill Suet Basket Wild Bird Feeder
Navfs Smart Solar Bird Feeder
North States 9280 Village Collection Early Bird Cafe Feeder
Grete Gotye Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Best Choice Products 4-Hook Bird Feeding Station
Phancir Window Bird Feeder
Hanizi Hanging Bird Feeder
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.
