“Can you share an innovative way you’ve used technology to record and analyze bird visits to your backyard? What insight did you gain, and what tool would you recommend to other birders?”
Raspberry Pi and a modest motion-sensor camera
I remember one peaceful winter morning when, instead of the usual humdrum tasks, I decided to focus on a cherished hobby: birdwatching. Living in the vibrant outskirts of Lisle, Illinois, we’re lucky to have a thriving population of diverse bird species.
Inspired by my professional life–where I’ve often used IoT and real-time data systems–I concocted a simple yet effective experiment to sprinkle a dash of technology into this pastime. I set up a series of motion-activated cameras linked to Raspberry Pi devices around the backyard, attached to AI processing units.
The concept was straightforward: each time a bird landed at the feeder, the cameras would kick into action, capturing delightful photos and videos. But there’s more! Using machine learning algorithms, I analyzed these footages to identify species patterns and timings. Over time, this concoction of technology gave birth to a detailed daily log–kind of like a guestbook, but with wings and feathers.
What astounded me was the precise scheduling of appearances by the different species. For instance, cardinals were most active just as dawn cracked, while the finches preferred the gentle hues of twilight. The data funneled more than just numbers; it whispered stories of nature’s timing and seasonal behaviors right into my living room.
For birders eager to blend tech with nature, I wholeheartedly suggest starting small, perhaps with a basic setup like a Raspberry Pi and a modest motion-sensor camera. The real magic lies not just in the technology itself but in connecting the dots between simple data points and the broader picture of ecological interconnectivity. It’s a heartfelt reminder that even as a software architect engrossed in the complexities of cloud and AI, there’s boundless joy in pausing to appreciate the elegance of a cardinal’s morning song.
Anandkumar Vedantham, Software Architect,
Wildlife camera and a Haikubox near the feeder
I recently set up a small backyard bird monitoring system at home, something Elmo Taddeo and I joked about during a team call—we both needed a hobby that didn’t involve firewalls. I installed a wildlife camera and a Haikubox near the feeder. The camera gave me clear video, even at dawn, while the Haikubox captured songs and chirps. It would ping my phone when new birds were nearby. That tech combo changed the way I observed birds. It wasn’t just seeing them—I was hearing them and knowing who they were.
One afternoon, a small brown bird kept visiting, but only around 3 p.m. and only when I put out millet. The Haikubox recorded its call, and I used Merlin Bird ID to match it with a Chipping Sparrow. I started noting how weather affected visits—rainy days meant fewer birds, while sunny mornings brought out warblers. Over time, I realized that feeding time, seed type, and even wind direction played a role in which species showed up. That kind of detail helps you think like a birder and a systems analyst at once.
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend Merlin Bird ID. It’s simple, free, and surprisingly accurate. Pair that with Haikubox and a basic wildlife cam, and you’ll have a complete setup. And don’t forget to record your findings on eBird. It’s not just about seeing more birds—it’s about seeing them better and contributing to something larger. That blend of tech and curiosity is exactly what we try to foster at Tech Advisors, even outside the office.
Konrad Martin, CEO, Tech Advisors
A motion-activated camera paired with a bird identification app
I recently started using a motion-activated camera paired with a bird identification app to record and analyze bird visits to my backyard. The camera captures footage whenever birds approach the feeders, and the app uses AI to identify the species based on the images. This has been a game-changer because not only does it track the number of species visiting, but it also logs the time of day and frequency of visits. I was surprised to learn that certain species, like woodpeckers, were more active during specific times of day, which helped me adjust the placement of feeders for optimal viewing.
I’d highly recommend using something like the BirdNET app combined with a motion-triggered camera. It’s easy to use, and it provides fascinating insights into local bird patterns that would otherwise be hard to capture. It’s been a fun way to connect with nature while using technology to enhance the experience.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
AI-enabled cameras with computer vision tools
One innovative way I’ve seen birders use technology is by combining AI-enabled cameras like the Bird Buddy smart feeder or Netvue Birdfy with computer vision tools to automatically identify, record, and log bird species visiting their backyard.
These devices use onboard cameras and AI algorithms to instantly recognize species, track visit frequency, and even analyze feeding behaviors — all synced to a mobile app. Some systems go a step further by integrating with cloud databases and offering automated trend analysis over time.
For tech-savvy birders or researchers, pairing this with a custom Google Sheets dashboard via Zapier or IFTTT lets you track visits per species, time of day, weather conditions, and even seasonal migration patterns.
Insight gained: One user noticed a spike in hummingbird visits specifically during late afternoon hours in spring — something previously overlooked — allowing them to optimize feeder placement and timing.
Recommended Tools:
Bird Buddy (AI + smart feeder)
Merlin Bird ID (AI audio recognition from Cornell Lab)
Netvue Birdfy (real-time camera with push alerts)
AI is not just enhancing the birding hobby — it’s turning every backyard into a micro research lab.
Dipika Jadwani, Digital Marketing Consultant, Dipika Jadwani
A motion-activated camera with bird identification apps
Setting up a motion-activated camera near feeders has been an effective way to capture bird activity. Pairing the footage with bird identification apps helps catalog species and track patterns over time. Using a spreadsheet to log visits, including time and weather conditions, reveals trends in behavior. Incorporating smart sensors to monitor feeder levels ensures consistent food supply, attracting more birds. This combination of tools creates a detailed and engaging way to study backyard wildlife.
Observing feeding patterns revealed how weather and time of day influence bird activity, helping to optimize feeder placement and food types. A key insight was the importance of variety in attracting diverse species. Recommending the Merlin Bird ID app for its ease in identifying birds through photos or sounds. Pairing it with a motion-activated camera provides a seamless way to document and learn from backyard visits. This combination enhances both enjoyment and understanding of bird behavior.
Linda Chavez, Founder & CEO, Seniors Life Insurance Finder
