The Bird Buddy camera module is powered by a 3800 mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.

The module that also houses the battery is fully detachable, so you can easily charge it with the USB-C to USB-C cable included in every order. You can always check the status of your battery, no matter where you are, right from the Bird Buddy app (in the Settings). 

The time to fully charge the camera module will depend on how you charge it. Charging via an outlet adapter will be faster than charging it via a computer port. It takes about 2-4 hours for the module to be fully charged if you use a wall adapter (you should see a faint red blinking light that indicates it's charging). Once the module is fully charged, you should see a faint solid green light on the module. If this is your first time charging Bird Buddy, it might enter pairing mode automatically so you will see a blue blinking light.

Our battery has overcharge protection, which means that when it reaches 100% charge, it will stop charging for a little while until it reaches 93-97%, then start charging again. The most recent battery state is sometimes not immediately visible in the app, try refreshing the main settings page (by swiping down on the screen) to get the most recent reading from the server.

Effects on battery life

With typical usage, the Bird Buddy camera can last up to 1 month on a full charge, depending on your setup and usage patterns. If you're using our Solar Roof, your Bird Buddy feeder may rarely need manual charging, as the Solar Roof provides continuous charging during daylight hours. In sunny areas with consistent solar exposure, users have reported going months without needing to recharge.

Here are some factors that can affect battery performance:

• Bird Activity & Postcards: The number of bird visitors and how frequently your Bird Buddy generates postcards will impact battery life. Without solar energy, users can expect between 10-30 days of battery life, depending on bird traffic and use of features like live stream.

• Live Stream Usage: Frequent use of the live stream or the Live feature will reduce battery life more quickly. The more often you stream, the more power your device uses.

• Environmental Factors: Cold temperatures can drain the battery faster. The camera module should not be exposed to temperatures below -20°C/-4°F, so in extreme conditions, it’s important to store it indoors.

• Feeder Placement & Sunlight: Placement is crucial for optimizing solar charging. If the feeder is placed in direct sunlight with no obstructions, the Solar Roof can provide continuous charging. However, factors like tree shade, seasonal changes in foliage, and the time of day (as the angle of the sun changes) can significantly reduce the Solar Roof’s effectiveness. For example, while morning light may be perfect, afternoon shade could limit charging potential.

• Solar Roof: When optimized for sunlight, the Solar Roof greatly extends your battery life, reducing the need for manual recharging. In ideal conditions, such as very sunny regions , users have reported lasting up to 6 months without needing a charge. In less sunny or rainier areas in colder months, the camera might last closer to 10 days without solar support, or less with high bird activity or other movements triggering the camera sensor.
  
  We are continuously improving battery life through firmware updates which influences the way the camera responds to its environment, including battery-saving features like the deep sleep function, which helps conserve power during periods of inactivity.

Charging options

There are two ways to make sure that Bird Buddy is always ready to send you new postcards of your feathered backyard visitors:

• The USB-C to USB-C cable (included in current orders: please note that wall adaptors are not included in your order)
• Solar roof add-on

Charging Bird Buddy with a USB-C cable

You can charge your Bird Buddy with the USB-C to USB-C cable included in every new order.

Simply detach the camera module from the feeder and take it inside to charge it. It’s as easy as charging your smartphone! Find the instructional video:

For continuous charging outside, you could run an extension cord to a power adapter that the USB C cable is plugged into. However,  you should only do this if your Bird Buddy is located in an appropriate setting (such as a balcony or roofed terrace).  Otherwise, such a setup could pose a big safety concern. We recommend that the camera module is always taken inside for charging.

Charging Bird Buddy with the solar roof add-on

If you purchased the solar roof add-on, it will aid in making sure your Bird Buddy receives a continuous charge during daylight. With the solar roof attached, you will greatly prolong the battery life. You can find information on how to install and utilize the solar roof in our Solar roof article. 

Charging tips

Bird Buddy is made to withstand the outdoors, but it is up to the users to keep it in its optimal condition. Since we want you to get the most out of your Bird Buddy, we want to share some tips on how to keep it that way. It’s important to know that ambient moisture and temperature changes can affect your Bird Buddy’s health. The messy eating habits of your feathery and furry visitors can also impact it. Keeping your feeder clean and your battery health in tip-top shape helps keep electronic waste out of the environment and enables you to have more fun with your postcards.

We came up with some tips to help you keep your Bird Buddy healthier for longer. Before you charge your Bird Buddy, do the following:

• Clean the charging port: check the port for any dirt or debris. Be mindful of any bird food that might be stuck deep inside.
• Inspect the port: please ensure that the central plastic “tongue” is undamaged and clean.
• Be gentle: plug the charging cable in gently without forcing it in. It should click into place easily. 

Following these tips and charging your Bird Buddy responsibly will help keep the battery working as intended for longer and give you the best Bird Buddy experience.