Backyard birding buying guides
Pick a guide to see our top recommendations, honest trade-offs and what to look for.
The Best Smart Bird Feeders with CamerasCamera bird feeders that send photos and videos of every visitor to your phone and help you identify the species. Our top picks, plus what to know before you buy.The Best Squirrel-Proof Bird FeedersSquirrel-proof bird feeders that actually work, from weight-activated tubes to spinning perches, plus the setup tricks that keep squirrels off for good.The Best Hummingbird FeedersHummingbird feeders that are easy to clean, keep ants out and bring hummingbirds close, from saucer feeders to window feeders.The Best Heated Bird BathsHeated bird baths and de-icers that keep water open all winter, plus solar fountains for summer. Water brings in birds that never visit seed feeders.The Best Binoculars for Bird WatchingBinoculars for backyard and beginner bird watching at every budget, with plain-English advice on magnification, size and what really matters.The Best Bird Seed, Suet and MealwormsWhich bird seed attracts which birds, the bags worth buying, and how to cut waste and mess. Black-oil sunflower, safflower, Nyjer, suet and mealworms explained.The Best Bird Feeder Poles and Squirrel BafflesBird feeder poles, shepherd's hooks and squirrel baffles that keep feeders steady and squirrel-free, with simple setup rules that work.The Best Gifts for Bird LoversGift ideas for bird watchers and backyard birders at every budget: smart camera feeders, binoculars, heated bird baths, field guides and more.