Cameras for Bird Watching: 6 Types and 4 Reolink Picks

Birds can be very active animals and can be very elusive with speed during moments when you least expect them to be. This is why bird watching can be very challenging. But, it can bring a ton of satisfaction when you can admire and/or monitor them with the right devices. In this guide, we break down the valuable information you need to understand what's the best choice to make when it comes to bird-watching cameras.

What Kind of Cameras Can You Use for Bird Watching

Bird lovers can watch birds in person or on a screen and there are 6 kinds of gear that are common for bird watching. Four need you beside them. Two stay in one spot and watch while you are away.

Digital Cameras

A digital camera with a long zoom lens can photograph birds far away in sharp detail. If you prefer something integrated, a bridge camera is a digital camera that has one long zoom lens built in, so there is no lens to swap in the field. Bridge cameras weigh less than a full camera kit and cost less than most cameras with swappable lenses.

One of the most common cons of a digital camera is that it needs you behind it to aim and shoot. It cannot watch the garden and birds for you.

Binoculars with Cameras

Binoculars with cameras have a digital camera built into the binocular body. You watch a bird live and can take a photo or video without picking up a second device.

Like pure binoculars, you'll still hold them, so they cannot record while you are away.

Bird Feeder Cameras

A bird feeder camera watches one feeder, records the birds that visit even when you are away and lets you watch live from anywhere. Our bird feeder camera guide covers the types and how to set one up.

A feeder camera is built to watch the feeder. A wireless security camera mounted nearby can cover the feeder and the area around it.

Wireless Security Cameras for Bird Watching

A wireless security camera mounts outside, records when it detects motion and sends an alert to your phone. It runs on a battery or solar panel and connects over Wi-Fi or cellular, so you can place it where the birds are.

Note: If you are keen in monitoring other animals in your garden, check out our outdoor wildlife camera guide for more valuable information.

What to Look for in a Bird Watching Camera

1. High Resolution

When choosing the best cameras for bird watching, you would never go wrong by picking up one with a higher resolution.

Generally speaking, the higher resolution your wildlife cameras have, the sharper bird images and videos they can capture.

Resolution is the number of pixels in a picture. Pixels are the tiny dots that make up the image. One megapixel (MP) is one million pixels. Some of the suitable resolutions for bird watching cameras include 1080p, 4MP, 5MP, and even 4K.

Such high-definition cameras for bird watching let you see each and every feather of the beautiful birds clearly and vividly.

Take a look at the crisp video sample below, which shows the birds chasing each other in the snow captured by a Reolink 5MP outdoor security camera.

2. Decent Night Vision

Another must-have feature for a bird-watching camera is excellent night vision capability.

Equipped with decent night vision, a good camera for bird watching allows you to see everything clearly in low light conditions.

Most security cameras offer night vision images in black and white, which is clear enough for human eyes to differentiate one item from another without other light sources.

Moreover, some security camera brands also offer bird watching security cameras with advanced image sensors, making it possible for you to watch the beautiful birds in true colors when the night falls.

Here is a color night vision video sample captured by Reolink Argus 3 Pro, a battery-powered outdoor security camera.

3. Built-in Microphone for Remote Bird Watching Cameras

If you are looking for a live bird-watching camera, pick one with a built-in microphone so that you won’t miss the beautiful chirps.

With the audio enabled, you will be able to listen to natural sounds while watching the lovely birds on the screen.

4. Capability to Survive the Elements

The best security cameras for bird watching should also be able to withstand rain and dust in the outdoors.

To ensure that the cameras you pick survive the elements, look at the IP rating. Select one with IP65+ ratings as it's a rating that proves that a device is suitable for outdoor use.

Note that some security camera brands may also offer accessories like junction boxes for you to keep moisture away from the cables and connectors.

5. Camouflage

Birds can be easily intimidated if they see something obvious, intimidating, and unnatural. Cameras are something that can make them extra wary if it happens to trigger their senses.

This is why many bird watching enthusiasts have cameras with camouflaged skins to reduce the chances of alerting them.

If you're looking for something that can allow you to watch birds remotely, Reolink has some wildlife security cameras that are designed not only to capture sharp footages but to capture the most beautiful scenes of nature without alerting them.

6. Sensitive Motion Sensors

Believe it or not. You can take pictures of the beautiful birds even without hitting the shutter.

Because a bird-watching trail camera with a sensitive motion sensor can do your job.

Once such a camera detects motion, it starts to record right away and sends you an instant alert.

So, you can feel free to leave the photography job to a motion-activated birdfeeder camera without waiting for the birds to come around on your own.

Note: If you'd like to find out more about motion sensors, Check out our motion sensor camera guide and learn more about how do they work and capture images.

7. Small Build

A camera with a smaller build can also further reduce the chances of alerting birds. It can even be a useful birdhouse security camera if you already have your own birds to monitor.

A great example of a birdhouse security camera is Reolink's Argus Magicam. It's only 68mm x 68mm which is perfect to be stored inside birdhouses and can capture sharp 2MP footages. In the night, there's also infrared night vision to ensure footages do not go to miss during the dark as well.

8. Remote Viewing Software for Bird Watching Cameras

Another nice-to-have feature for a bird-watching video camera is the easy viewing software for mobile phones, PCs, or tablets.

For example, Reolink offers a free app and client for homeowners to view their home security cameras on smartphones and computers at any time, anywhere. It's a program for Windows and Mac computers.

With such software, you will be able to see how the are birds doing in your garden and control the cameras for bird watching remotely on the screens while sitting in your living room or traveling a thousand miles away from home.

Bird Watching Security Cameras - Top Reolink Picks

Since the options of bird-watching cameras abound in the market, it can be a tough task for you to decide which to choose.

That’s where we come in.

Check out the 2 editor’s picks below that deliver the full set of features you would expect from the best video cameras for bird watching.

4G Cellular Wildlife Trail Camera – Reolink Go Ranger PT

For a bird spot with no Wi-Fi, try a 4G camera such as the Reolink Go Ranger PT. 4G is the mobile data network your phone uses.

The Go Ranger PT records 4K 8MP video. It pans 355° and tilts 140°, so one camera can watch a wide area. Pan means turning side to side and tilt means turning up and down.

It runs on a rechargeable battery that normally lasts about 2 months per charge, depending on use. Add the Reolink Solar Panel 2 to keep it charged. It sends a low-battery notification at 10%.

Not only is it a camouflaged camera but its no-glow infrared lights are also invisible at night, so they do not disturb the animals. It detects people, vehicles and animals and sends a notification with a snapshot.

It needs a cellular data plan from a phone carrier. If Wi-Fi reaches your feeder, the Argus MagiCam and the Argus Track below connect over Wi-Fi.

Here is a video sample captured by this remote camera (shared by a user) which is a good comparison of the camera's 4K capabilities versus a 1080p video quality.

Indoor Birdhouse Security Camera - Reolink Argus Magicam

To look inside a birdhouse, try a small camera such as the Reolink Argus MagiCam. Measure the box first.

The Argus MagiCam is a palm-sized Wi-Fi camera with an IP67 weatherproof rating. Two AA lithium batteries come in the box and can last up to 9 months at 5 minutes of recording a day. You can also power it through USB-C.

Person detection sends you an alert message. It records to a microSD card and needs no subscription.

It records 2MP (1080p) video with a wide 113° view, so it suits close shots such as the inside of a box. For birds farther away, see the Argus Track below.

4K WiFi Trail Camera - Reolink Argus Track

If there is a stable WiFi network around your house, take a look at Argus Track, an outdoor WiFi camera for bird watching.

Argus Track records 4K 8MP video with two lenses. The wide-angle lens shows the whole scene. The telephoto lens zooms in on tracked subjects for close-up detail. Hybrid zoom switches from the wide lens to the telephoto lens and crops the picture to zoom further. It goes up to 6X. The camera pans 355° and tilts 50°. Its spotlights give color night vision in low light. It also connects to 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and runs on a battery or a solar panel.

Versatile Outdoor Birdhouse Security Camera – Reolink RLC-810A

Outdoor IP security cameras like Reolink RLC-810A shall top your list if you are looking for a dual-duty camera for bird watching and home security.

Sporting 4K ultra-high definition and decent night vision, this security camera can record vivid bird videos days and nights.

Besides, this PoE IP bird watching camera requires only one Ethernet cable for power supply and data transmission. So, you are able to configure such a CCTV camera in a breeze.

A homeowner applies this CCTV camera for bee-watching outdoors to monitor his bee house. And it does record beautiful videos when bees are flying!

Editor’s Note: If you are in the market for the best zoom camera for bird watching, take a look at the Reolink RLC-823A, an outdoor PoE IP camera with 360° pan, 90° tilt, and 5X optical zoom.

Reolink RLC-823A

Smart PTZ PoE Camera with Spotlights

4K 8MP Ultra HD, Person/Vehicle Detection, 5X Optical Zoom, Auto Tracking, Manual Pan & Tilt, Two-Way Audio, 190ft Night Vision, Live View.

Learn More about Reolink RLC-823A

How to Set Up a Wireless Security Camera for Bird Watching: A Step-by-Step Guide

The effort to set up a wireless camera for bird watching may not be as complicated as you imagine.

To help you set up the camera within minutes, we have broken down the whole procedure into understandable and practical chunks.

Let’s get going.

Step 1. Decide Where to Install Bird Watching Cameras

If you want to take a close look at the daily life of lovely birds, then place a security camera inside your birdhouse.

You may also place the camera near a feeder or hide a bird-watching camera inside a birdhouse by drilling a hole at the birdhouse and facing the camera towards the outside of the birdhouse.

For the two cases above, choose a small camera that fits the birdhouse. Measure the box first. The Argus MagiCam is about 2.7 in (68 mm) across and the RLC-810A is about 7.6 in (192 mm) long.

Also, you may set up surveillance cameras for bird watching outside the birdhouse as well. Ideal installation spots for these security cameras include the front door, back door, and places under the eave.

Note: Check out our security camera placement guide to find the best places for outdoor CCTV cameras.

Step 2. Run Wires for Bird Watching Video Cameras: This Works for both PoE & Wireless Birding Cameras

To provide a proper power supply and data transmission channel to bird watching cameras, you may spare some efforts to run the wires and protect them from the elements as well.

Here is how:

1. Find the shortest cable route before running the wires.

2. Run the cables along the route that you plan and use conduit, PVC pipes, or cable guards to protect the cables from the elements.

3. For a PoE camera, connect one end of the cable to a PoE switch, a PoE injector or a Reolink PoE NVR. Connect the other end to the camera. If you use a 12V power adapter instead, plug it into an outlet and connect the cable to your router or switch.

Pro Tip: Check out our guide on how to run security camera wires to find more practical tips on wiring security cameras properly.

Step 3. Set Up Cameras for Bird Watching for Local Access & Remote Viewing

With the installation work done, now you are ready to connect the birdhouse security cameras to a monitor as local access or set them up for remote viewing.

If you want to view cameras for bird watching on TV, download streaming apps on TV or use IP-camera-to-HDMI converters.

Or, you may set up remote viewing so that you can keep tabs on the lovely birds in your garden via smartphones or computers when you are away from home.

And that’s the whole setup process. Easy and practical even for green hands.

Getting the Most Out of Bird Watching Cameras: Practical Tips & Tricks

Setting up the video cameras for bird watching in your garden is only half the story.

Take the following practical tips into account and improve the birding experience at home:

1. Choose smaller cameras for bird watching. Such compact security cameras can fit in a birdhouse better and appear less noticeable for birds. So, they won’t scare off the birds and other animals around your house.

2. Use bird-watching cameras as home surveillance cameras as well. Aside from birding, the video cameras can be used to monitor your garden, front yard, and front door as well. It is best to choose a brand-name motion-activated birdhouse camera if you want to use it for dual purposes.

**3. Livestream bird-watching cameras to your website or YouTube channel. Instead of viewing the cameras on your own, you can stream them to YouTube and share the moments with bird lovers around the world. Streaming needs a camera that supports RTSP, a standard video stream address. Of the picks here, the RLC-810A and the RLC-823S2 support RTSP.

Cornell Lab Bird Cams has been streaming bird activities at feeders and nests for a long time. Check out its channel to watch the latest bird videos captured with bird-watching cameras.

FAQs

Can You Put a Security Camera in a Birdhouse?

Yes, if the camera fits inside the box and the birds are left undisturbed. You can also leave the camera outside and point it at the birdhouse.

Inside the birdhouse. Measure the box first, because many cameras will not fit a small birdhouse. The Reolink Argus MagiCam is the smallest of the four picks above. It is palm-sized and weatherproof, and its spec table is in its pick.

Power and nest visits. The Cornell Lab's NestWatch advises against cameras that need frequent battery changes or card swaps. Too much disturbance could cause birds to abandon their nest. A camera on a USB-C cable, or one that runs for months on its batteries, means fewer visits. NestWatch also says to install the camera before the birds start nesting. For a full set-up guide, see our bird nest camera guide.

Outside the birdhouse. If the box is too small, mount a camera nearby and point it at the box. The four picks above are weatherproof, so each can watch the box from outside.

Conclusion

Are you also planning to set up your own cameras for bird watching? What are the other tips and tricks to capture beautiful birding images you can think of? Share your ideas or even videos captured by your security cameras in the comment section below!