Welcome to the setup guide for your Smart Hummingbird Feeder! Follow these steps to assemble your feeder and provide a delightful experience for your hummingbird visitors.
If this is your first Bird Buddy camera, you'll need to create an account, pair the camera, and connect it to the internet. If your camera is already online and you're just putting it into the Hummingbird feeder housing, you can simply change the feeder type in the feeder settings.
Confirm Your Kit Includes:
- 1x Smart Hummingbird Feeder housing (base + stem)
- 1x Bird Buddy camera module
- 3x open flower ports
- 2x closed flower ports
- 1x USB-C charging cable
- 1x metal wire hanger
- 1x brush
Note: All units come with 3 open flower ports already attached. The 2 closed ports are stored inside the base with the USB-C cable.
In this article, you can read more about:
Hummingbird Feeder Assembly
Attach Flower Ports
1. Press the individual flower ports directly onto each port base to attach them.
2. Easily pull them off for cleaning or swapping out.
3. Tip: Use the closed flower ports to cover the side flower ports on the left and right if needed. Species such as the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird prefer to visit individually, which allows the camera to capture the most content.
Locking System
1. Align the notch on the vertical stem of the feeder with the Unlock icon on the rear of the base.
2. Insert the vertical stem into the base and twist towards the Lock icon until you feel and hear a ‘click’.
Hanger Installation
1. Gently spread apart the left and right open ends of the metal hanger.
2. Fit them into the slots on the underside of the roof of the feeder.
3. Spread both sides at the same time for a clean installation
Solar roof assembly
1. To correctly align the Solar Roof with the Hummingbird Feeder housing, make sure that the edge of the Solar Roof closest to the charging cable is facing the front of the Hummingbird Feeder.
2. Thread the Solar Roof cable through the hole at the top of the housing and then through the opening of the Camera Module compartment.
3. To secure the Solar Roof in place, pinch all four corners of the Solar Roof to the Hummingbird Feeder housing until you hear a “click”.
4. Plug the USB-C connector of the Solar Roof charging cable into the charging port of your camera module.
5. To prevent dirt, debris, or moisture from entering the USB-C charging port, make sure that the protective silicone rim of the Solar Roof charging cable is fitted snugly to the top of your Camera Module.
Optimal Setup Location Tips
- Hang the feeder on a pole, in a tree, or shrub in an open space, near flowers, and sunlight.
- Position the feeder at least 15–20 ft away from windows and 10–15 ft within the nearest cover (shrub, tree) to ensure the hummingbirds feel safe.
- Ensure the camera is facing your property only.
- Ideally, position the feeder facing North or in another direction for better lighting throughout the day.
- Keep the feeder away from ant/wasp/bee nests. A little vegetable oil on the hanger can help keep ants away.
- Ensure the background is pleasant and private as your postcards might get shared on social media with your permission.
Homemade Nectar Recipe
1. Combine 1.5 cups of water with 6 tablespoons of refined white sugar in a mixing bowl. The nectar basin is able to hold 14 fl oz / 1.75 cups of nectar total.
2. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved or bring the mixture to a simmer slowly over low heat.
3. Cool the mixture to room temperature before pouring it into the nectar basin.
4. Tip: Only use refined white sugar. Do not use cane sugar, table sugar, agave nectar, or honey as they can harbor bacteria harmful to hummingbirds. If purchasing nectar, only buy clear nectar without artificial food coloring.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Change the nectar every 3 days (up to 5 days on colder days) to prevent mold or bacterial infections.
- Clean the base with water or a 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water solution, ensuring to rinse well.
- Tip: Hummingbirds prefer freshly made nectar and may stop coming if the feeder is not kept clean. You can find more information on cleaning and maintenance here.