“My biggest hope is that we’ll get some people to fall in love with birds and the world around them because of this product.” The product is the Scout by FeatherSnap. The Scout is a smart bird feeder. A Wi-Fi-enabled, solar charging device that transforms birdwatching into an immersive and educational experience.
FeatherSnap’s Ornithologist, Maria Kincaid, says, “There are certain species like desert-dwelling species that can get their water intake just from the foods that they eat. They’re specialized to live in these arid climates, right?” says Maria.“But then other species require water and if the water is not there, then they’re not going to be there. So, it gives us a lot of information as to climate change over time and how habitats are changing based not only on water, but, the landscape changes.”
Ornithology is the branch of zoology that focuses on the study of birds. This field encompasses various aspects of bird life. What is unique about the Scout is the role Ornithologists have in the design and educational components of the smart bird feeder.
“I have bird feeders all over my yard, obviously, but in my front yard, I have Cooper’s hawks that are nesting. Well, they’ve hatched now. My neighbor saw one of the babies the other day and was upset because she thought it was dangerous,” says Maria. “And so I went over and I talked to her and I said you don’t have anything to be scared about is a cool thing to get to watch.” Through education the neighbor understood that the species was there because they felt safe, not that they intended to hunt or harm anyone. That’s one way the app can help identify birds and their habits and needs.
The Scout features a high-definition camera with four-megapixel photo quality, 1080p video capabilities, and a 180° field of view, allowing users to capture stunning images and videos of birds. It has integrated solar panels and a durable design to withstand various weather conditions. The FeatherSnap Scout integrates several technologies into the bird feeder, which interacts with your smartphone through a dedicated app.
“We also give you fun, interesting facts about each species. We also tell you what kind of seed they prefer and then the range that you would find them in,” says Maria. “There are certain species that will be found all across North America. Some species are only going to be found in the southeast, and species only in the west. So you can really have a good look as to what you would expect to find in your area.”
The Scout connects to the FeatherSnap mobile app, sending real-time notifications when the bird is near. The app identifies over 275 North American bird species with a questionnaire or AI, and catalogs their sightings using its internal Bird Book.
“One of my favorite things about this feeder is that it’s got dual compartments, so you can put two different types of seed in at the same time. It allows you to attract a lot more variety of birds, depending on what you’re trying to find,” says Maria. “It’s got solar panels in it that are built in so you don’t have to take your camera out to charge it all the time then it connects to your wifi, which connects to an app on your phone. The development team has done just such a fantastic job building it.”
Here’s how it functions:
High-Definition Camera: The feeder has a built-in camera with a 4-megapixel resolution and 1080p video capability. The camera captures images and videos of birds when they visit the feeder. The camera’s wide 180° field of view ensures it captures a broad area, allowing you to see birds clearly from different angles.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The feeder connects to your home Wi-Fi network, enabling it to send the captured images and videos to your smartphone in real-time. This allows you to view live streams or receive notifications whenever a bird visits the feeder, no matter where you are.
Solar Power: The Scout is equipped with integrated solar panels, which continuously charge the feeder’s camera and other electronic components. This ensures the device remains operational without needing frequent manual recharging, though it also has an optional USB-C charging port.
Dual Seed Bin: The feeder has two separate compartments for birdseed, allowing you to offer different types of food simultaneously. This helps attract a wider variety of bird species to your feeder.
Mobile App Integration: The FeatherSnap app, available on Apple and Google Play stores, pairs with the feeder.
Universal Mount: The feeder comes with a mount that allows you to easily attach it to various surfaces, such as a tree, post, or the side of your house, ensuring the camera has a stable platform to capture clear images.
“Learn more about FeatherSnap and your feathered friends that are visiting your feeder.”
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