So, you’ve heard about Bird Buddy, the smart bird feeder that snaps beautiful bird selfies and even identifies your feathered friends. Sounds cool, right? But, before you grab your wallet and join the flock, you might be wondering: Does Bird Buddy require a subscription? Great question!
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Bird Buddy works without a required subscription. You can use the smart bird feeder, see visits, and get bird ID features all out of the box. However, they do offer an optional Bird Buddy Pro subscription that adds fun and useful features. It’s totally up to you if you want to upgrade!
What Exactly Is Bird Buddy?
First, let’s talk about what Bird Buddy is. It’s a smart bird feeder with a built-in camera. When a bird arrives, Bird Buddy takes a photo or video. It also uses AI to tell you what kind of bird came to visit.
The Bird Buddy app sends those snaps straight to your phone. You’ll get little notifications that say “A Northern Cardinal stopped by!” It’s like a bird-themed Instagram for your backyard.
Do You Have to Pay Every Month to Use Bird Buddy?
Nope! The basic features of Bird Buddy work without any subscription. When you buy the feeder, it comes with:
- The camera and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection
- Access to the Bird Buddy app
- Unlimited bird visit notifications and photos
- Bird species identification using AI
That means you can capture cool bird photos, share them, and learn about local wildlife with just the purchase of the device.
So What Does the Subscription Get You?
If you want more tools and fun features, Bird Buddy offers a subscription called Bird Buddy Pro. It’s totally optional, but if you’re a bird lover, it might be worth the extra bird seed.
Here’s what the Pro subscription adds:
- Auto Collect Mode: No more tapping to collect each bird visit — they all get saved automatically.
- Enhanced Species Recognition: Even better and faster ID results. Perfect for rare or tricky birds.
- Visit History: See past visits and revisit your favorite bird moments.
- Global Bird Feeder Access: Tune in to other Bird Buddy users’ feeders worldwide! It’s like virtual birdwatching!
- Nesting Insights: If you have a nest box version, get data on bird behavior during nesting season.
They may also add new perks over time. But again — these are extra. Not required.
How Much Is the Subscription?
As of now, the Bird Buddy Pro subscription is about $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Some users have even gotten free trial periods when setting up their device for the first time.
If you decide you don’t want the subscription, just cancel and keep using the free version. You’ll still get great bird interaction and stunning images, without the extras.
What If You Don’t Subscribe?
Then you still have a very cool tool!
Here’s what you can still do without a subscription:
- Receive instant notifications when a bird visits
- Take and save high-quality photos and videos
- Enjoy species identification with helpful facts
- Share sightings with friends and family
You won’t get auto-collection, advanced sorting, or access to worldwide feeds, but you’ll still love watching your backyard turn into a feathered paradise.
Can You Use Bird Buddy Without the App?
Not really. The app is how you see what Bird Buddy records and access all the features. So while a subscription isn’t required, having a smartphone or tablet with the Bird Buddy app is.
The app is free to download and works on both Android and iOS devices. So even kids or grandparents can easily join the fun!
Who Should Get the Subscription?
It’s all about how deep your bird love goes.
- If you’re a casual watcher – the free version is perfect.
- If you get excited about rare sightings or want to save every chirp – consider Pro.
- If you love data, patterns, and bird behavior trends – Pro gives you more tools.
- If you’re just trying it out – maybe wait before subscribing. You can always upgrade later!
What Users Are Saying
Many users are happy using just the free version. The quality of the photos and the bird ID tools are already impressive.
Those who subscribe often mention the Auto Collect Mode and Global Feed as their favorite features. It turns your backyard into a birdwatching hotspot — and lets you peek at birds visiting feeders on the other side of the world!
And let’s be honest: how often do you get to see a puffin in Iceland while chilling on your couch in Ohio?
Final Birdcall: Is It Worth It?
Bird Buddy does not require a subscription. That’s great news for budget-minded bird lovers!
The optional Bird Buddy Pro offers more features, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the smart birding experience. You can always start with the free plan and upgrade later if you want more feathered fun.
No pressure. Just peepers and beepers.
In a Nutshell (or Birdseed!)
- Subscription? Not required
- Free version? Yes, with core features like camera, bird ID, and app access
- Paid option? Yes, Bird Buddy Pro offers bonus perks
- Start free, see what fits your flock
So go ahead — set up your Bird Buddy, grab some sunflower seeds, and get ready for a chirpy good time. Whether you pay or not, you’re about to become your local birds’ favorite paparazzi.
