Birdfy Nest review: The smart nest camera with AI to help you track birds

Watching wildlife coexisting with you in your garden is one of life's simple pleasures. And of all the animals that visit your outdoor space, birds really do put on the best show.

Anyone who's put out feeders to entice birds in to view will understand why we're a nation obsessed with garden wildlife, and technology is starting to lend a hand in not just watching birds, but understanding them better, too.

Birdfy, one of the biggest names in this exciting new sector, already offers a selection of AI-powered bird feeder cameras, but they've also recently launched a nestbox camera.

This means you don't just get to follow the life cycle of your local feathered friends as they pick at your peanuts, you can watch them hatch, grow, and fledge - all from the screen of your smartphone.

Of course, the idea behind this type of device is nothing new. Anyone who's seen episodes of BBC's Springwatch will know that we've been putting cameras in nestboxes for decades. But domestic amateur nestbox camera setups have always been either complicated, cumbersome, or prohibitively expensive.

Birdfy has not only made the technology simpler and cheaper, it's added in another dimension. Its AI system identifies species, so if you're not sure what sort of bird has taken up residence in your nestbox, it'll tell you.

This is arguably less useful in a nest camera, because once the bird has set up a home and you've identified it, you're already in the know.

But nests go through some dramatic stages, with the initial prospecting by a variety of species, to the occasional temporary roosting, to the potential predation by larger species once the brood develops.

There are three types of Birdfy Nest models in the UK, and I've been testing the best seller - the Birdfy Nest. It's a £199.99 all-in one unit that's solar powered, wirelessly connected, and made of wood.

Inside there's a 1080P camera with a built-in microphone and infrared night vision, and there's a removable panel and inspection window on the back. There's even a remote control to reboot it in case of any software glitches.

Sadly, I installed my Birdfy Nest in the early summer, which was a bit too late for a nest box to be of interest to birds. I did hope I'd attract a brood, but it got barely a sniff.

It's always best to let nest boxes weather in a bit before birds will show interest anyway, so it's perfect timing to get one now, ready for late winter and early spring, when you're most likely to get some interest.

As soon as I get some visitors, I'll report back. Watch this space!

What I liked about the Birdfy Nest

The first thing you notice about the Birdfy Nest is how stylish it is. There's nothing stylish about my garden, but it blends in nicely.

It's really nicely made, too. The wood is a nice quality, the finish is perfect, and you even get a range of predator guards, which is a neat touch.

There isn't a lot of setting up to do, you just need to figure out a way to mount it, get the camera charged up, and get it connected to your phone.

There are other nice touches. There's a little metal grille at the bottom of the box, which is for the nest to sit on. It can be set to different levels, which is neat. You can tell Birdfy has been in this business for a while.

Birdfy's app is pretty good. Connecting the camera took a few attempts, but it got there eventually, and I love the fact there's no subscription model required, you can view footage even on the basic plan.

What I didn't like about the Birdfy Nest

There are only a few quibbles to speak of with the Nest. The camera footage is as good as you'd expect from a 1080P camera, but it's a shame there isn't a 4K option. It struggles a bit in low light, but there is enough detail to identify birds and count eggs and hatchlings.

The strap that comes with it is intended for mounting it to a tree or another object, but I struggled and failed to mount it securely to my sycamore. It's just not worth it. The metal plate it comes with is decent though, ideal for mounting to fences or walls.

You don't need a subscription to view footage, but you will need to sign up to a monthly fee to unlock some premium features. It's not too restrictive if you stay on the free version, though.

The biggest issue, however, is not Birdfy's fault at all. There's no guarantee you'll get birds staying over. Even if, unlike me, you put it up at the right time of year, there are many factors that could influence whether you'll attract birds or not. And if they don't want to stay, your nestbox is an ornament.

See below for some tips to increase your chances.

Verdict: Should you buy a Birdfy Nest?

It shouldn't be ignored that you can buy a remote camera, fairly cheaply, and a birdbox, fairly cheaply, and assemble your own nestbox camera. Here are a few components on the RSPB website. You'll also see complete packages.

But the great thing about the Birdfy Nest is it's just so simple. It's all built in, it's easy to connect and tap into, and it's actually a relatively affordable system compared to some wireless, solar-powered systems out there.

And then there's the Birdfy AI system. Sure, it's not flawless, but it's getting better all the time, and it serves as a guide to help you in your journey of learning about birds.

By around February, when the birds are starting to seek out nestboxes, my Nest will be a familiar sight, weathered in, and fingers crossed I'll get some residents. I can't wait.

Tips for placing a nest box in your garden

Place nest boxes in a sheltered spot, ideally facing north or east so they avoid strong sunlight, prevailing wind and driving rain. Angle the front slightly downwards to help keep water out.

Small-hole boxes should sit around one to three metres above ground with a clear flight path. Open-fronted boxes for birds such as robins are better hidden among shrubs or climbing plants.

Keep boxes away from feeders, busy areas and places cats or squirrels can reach. Avoid positioning several boxes of the same type close together, as nesting birds can become territorial.