Smart Feeder Showdown: AUXCO vs. Bird Buddy
I’ve been a big fan of the Bird Buddy smart bird feeder ever since I got my hands on it in late November 2022. However, no product is without its flaws. While the Bird Buddy is a solid smart bird feeder, its app can be slow and cumbersome, especially when dealing with numerous feathered visitors. Triaging photos and reviewing visitors can become a time-consuming task due to the high number of notifications and clicks required[^1].
Update 4/27/23: I’m happy to report that Bird Buddy has released a major app update that addresses all the workflow complaints I had previously[^2].
Update 2/17/24: For those interested, I’ve written a new comparison between the Birdfy Bamboo and Bird Buddy, two premium smart bird feeders[^3].
As with any successful crowd-funded product, there will always be copycat products attempting to capitalize on the hype. Many smart bird feeders have emerged on Amazon and other retailers after the release of the Bird Buddy feeder[^4]. One such competitor, AUXCO, recently reached out to me and sent me their smart bird feeder unit for review.
This review is written from a neutral perspective, focusing on how the AUXCO feeder stands on its own and how it compares to the leading smart bird feeder in the market.
Bird Feeder Housing
AUXCO
The AUXCO feeder is significantly larger than the Bird Buddy and can hold twice the amount of seed. Refilling is simple with its easily accessible roof, allowing for effortless dumping of seed. Additionally, AUXCO’s smart bird feeder includes an extended perch to accommodate a variety of birds. However, the feeder can only be removed for cleaning by unscrewing three screws at the bottom, which might not be ideal for those who prefer to keep a clean feeder[^5].
Bird Buddy
Bird Buddy’s main designer, who previously worked on Google’s Chromecast project, has brought their expertise to the design of this feeder. The result is a visually stunning product. However, there have been reports from the community about certain components failing due to regular use or wildlife encounters[^6].
For refilling, Bird Buddy features a hinged door at the back. However, this particular component has been known to break, and replacement parts are currently unavailable[^7]. The perch platform’s design could also be improved to better accommodate birds of different sizes, although fans have created 3D-printed perches that can be purchased through Etsy[^8].
Solar Panel Roof
Bird Buddy’s solar panel roof design features an exposed external wire, which has been reported to be prone to chewing by squirrel visitors. In contrast, AUXCO’s solar roof design contains the wire completely inside the unit, eliminating this risk[^9].
Mounting Options
AUXCO
The AUXCO feeder comes with two mounting options: a wall mount and a tree strap. However, mounting the feeder using the strap can be challenging if you have small trees. The feeder tends to sag and point downward, compromising long-term stability. As a result, the wall mount option might be more suitable in such cases[^10].
Bird Buddy
Out of the box, the Bird Buddy feeder offers a universal pole mount or a hanging cord option. Both options have been reported to work well, providing stability for the feeder[^11].
Smart Feeder Camera Module
The camera module is the heart of any smart bird feeder, detecting and photographing or recording visiting birds. Both the Bird Buddy and AUXCO feeders feature removable camera modules that recharge via solar power, making them self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual charging[^12].
In terms of functionality, the Bird Buddy automatically captures photos and videos without any user interaction. On the other hand, the AUXCO feeder sends motion detection notifications and captures photos in its history logs, but manual initiation is required for identifying the birds in the photos. It is worth noting that the identification feature only seems to work when viewing the live stream, making direct comparisons between the two feeders challenging[^13].
Set Up and Pairing
AUXCO
Setting up the AUXCO smart feeder involves placing the module into pairing mode using a sim card ejection pin. However, during the pairing process, there might be issues with network credentials. For example, the network name or password for the guest wifi network might be deemed “too long,” necessitating the use of the main network. Additionally, pairing requires holding a QR code displayed on the phone in front of the camera module[^14].
Bird Buddy
The Bird Buddy app instructs users to hold a button on the camera module to initiate the pairing process. Pairing is straightforward, and I was able to connect to my guest network successfully. This extra step ensures that non-critical devices, like the smart bird feeder, remain isolated from the main home network, adding an extra layer of security[^15].
Photo Quality
It’s essential to consider various factors, such as weather, time of day, and distance, that can affect the quality of photos captured by the smart bird feeders. Here are some examples of automatic photos taken by both feeders[^16].
AUXCO
Bird Buddy
Bird Detections and Accuracy
Detections
There was a plan to compare the volume of detections and the accuracy of the automated photo-taking capability between the two feeders. However, it was discovered that the AUXCO feeder primarily relies on motion detection, capturing photos that can be viewed in the history tab. Bird identification can only be initiated manually in the app while viewing the live stream, making a direct comparison difficult[^17].
Bird Buddy, on the other hand, detects birds, captures photos and videos, and analyzes them. It then sends a notification alerting the user to a new bird visit. While not as immediate as the motion detection system of the AUXCO feeder, Bird Buddy’s approach simplifies the process by providing pre-identified notifications along with a collection of photos ready for review[^18].
Accuracy
Due to the different methods used for capturing bird photos, it was challenging to make a direct comparison of bird identification accuracy. Bird Buddy incorporates user input for species identification in cases where the AI model is unsure. This interactive approach contributes to training their AI model and improving accuracy over time[^19].
AUXCO’s app has a feature for identifying bird photos. It suggests the species, displaying the bird’s English, Chinese, and Latin names along with a confidence score. The identification feature worked well in identifying clear and well-lit photos, but the process was manual and selective[^20].
App Experience
The smart bird feeder app plays a crucial role in the overall user experience when it comes to viewing feathered visitors.
Bird Buddy
Bird Buddy’s app is filled with enchanting animations and user-friendly elements that contribute to an enjoyable user experience. However, keeping up with all the visitors and reviewing their photos can be time-consuming. The triaging process involves multiple clicks, swipes, and more clicks. A bulk review or approval system would greatly enhance the user experience[^21].
Update 4/27/23: In a recent update, the Bird Buddy app has significantly improved the visitor and photo review process. The app now has an inbox tab that displays a list of recent bird visitors. Users can swipe to dismiss visitors or click to review their photos. New or unknown birds are clearly indicated to help prioritize review[^22].
The Bird Buddy app truly shines in its intuitiveness. Even without explanation, anyone should be able to use the app to review bird visitors conveniently. Additionally, the app features a charming collection page showcasing all the species that have visited the feeder. Users can access galleries for each species, allowing them to view their own photos and those shared by the Bird Buddy community[^23].
AUXCO
The AUXCO app, unfortunately, suffers from cluttered design and sluggish performance. It feels bloated with features unrelated to a smart bird feeder. The inclusion of the Tuya chip, a common Chinese white-label smart home device chip, adds unnecessary confusion for the average bird enthusiast. The app references lighting and home automation capabilities that most users will likely never utilize[^24].
One major drawback of the AUXCO app is that it automatically initiates and connects to the live video stream each time it is opened. This process can take a long time, particularly if your feeder has weak to moderate wifi connectivity. In some cases, it might not work at all[^25].
The app’s user interface consists of numerous buttons and screens, making it confusing and unintuitive to navigate. Even tech-savvy individuals might struggle with using this app and find it frustrating. The app lacks clear guidance on how to maximize its features, aside from a small instruction booklet included in the box[^26].
Despite capturing photos by taking screenshots from the live videos, the quality of the AUXCO camera’s image could be improved. The collections page in the AUXCO “Bird Lovers” app also seems to have some issues, as photos and identifications performed using the app’s features do not appear as expected[^27].
Privacy
AUXCO
To my discomfort, the AUXCO smart feeder started detecting motion and taking photos of me as soon as it was connected to the wifi network during setup. It took over 100 photos of me inside my home while I was taking pictures for the review. This invasion of privacy is highly unsettling. It is worth noting that the feeder will also take pictures of you whenever you are in close proximity to it outside[^28].
Bird Buddy
Bird Buddy, on the other hand, shows greater respect for privacy. The feeder and housing have magnets, ensuring that photos are only captured when the camera module is inside the housing. Additionally, the camera does not seem to save or display photos of humans, capturing images exclusively of bird visitors[^29].
Comparison Conclusion
Price
When comparing similar setups, the AUXCO bird feeder has a significant price advantage. With a listed price of $259 and a $60 coupon available on Amazon, the feeder can be purchased for around $199. The Bird Buddy, including the compatible solar room, is priced at $269[^30].
When considering the differences between the two products, the AUXCO feeder seems superior on paper. It boasts a better camera, larger seed capacity, squirrel resistance, extended perch, and included solar panel. However, these specifications become less significant when compared to the largely automated and seamless experience provided by the Bird Buddy, which requires less manual intervention[^31].
I intend to share this feedback with the manufacturer, hoping that they will implement some of the features that give Bird Buddy the edge in user experience. If any improvements are made to the Bird Lover app, I will update this review accordingly[^32].
After using the Bird Buddy for approximately three months, if I had spent my own money on the AUXCO smart bird feeder, I would have returned it. I don’t have the time or desire to play a virtual photographer or manually initiate identifications from the live stream each time a bird visits the feeder[^33].
There is room for improvement with both products, and I believe many of these issues can be addressed through software updates. If you are seeking an automated and organized experience for your bird feeder visitors, Bird Buddy would be a good choice. However, if you value ease of filling your feeder and are less concerned with the bird identification process, AUXCO will capture photos and videos adequately[^34].
Availability
As with any crowd-funded product, mass production and availability can be a challenge. At the time of this review, Bird Buddy has a lead time of approximately one month for shipping. In contrast, the AUXCO Smart Bird Feeder is available for delivery in just two days via Amazon. This may be a significant factor to consider if you are looking to purchase the feeder as a gift for a family member or friend[^35].
Have you used either of these feeders? I’m curious to hear about your experience!