# Birdbuddy Nook Solar Review (2026): Pros, Cons & Price > Birdbuddy Nook Solar review: 2K smart bird feeder camera. AI ID needs a plan, built-in solar roof. Specs, pros, cons and our 8.1/10 verdict. - Source: https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-nook-solar/ - Markdown version: https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-nook-solar.md - Last updated: 2026-11-12 --- - [Home](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/) - [Compare feeders](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/) - Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder 8.1 ![Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/birdbuddy-nook-solar.B-26TWKh_vlCr.webp) Bird Buddy · Mid-range # Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder Review Balconies, patios and small yards, or anyone who wants Bird Buddy's newest camera for less. - 2K - AI ID needs a plan - Built-in solar roof - 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range price tier · see Amazon for today's price [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)[See alternatives](#alternatives) Opens Amazon in a new tab. By [Bird Feeder Camera Guide Editorial Team](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/about/) · Updated November 12, 2026 · [How we score](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/how-we-research/) Our score comes from manufacturer specs, professional reviews and owner reports. We haven't tested this feeder ourselves; where a test result appears, we name the outlet. ## The verdict The Nook is the Bird Buddy 2 Mini idea under a new name: the Home's camera, a smaller hopper and a solar roof for $159.99 on Amazon ($139 on Bird Buddy's own store on Nov 12, 2026). It's the Bird Buddy we'd pick for a balcony or a first feeder. Budget for Premium if you want automatic ID, and for more refills. ### What we like - Same 2K HDR camera and microphone as the $199 Home in a smaller body - Solar Roof in the box and a roof-top refill opening - Tom's Guide: same camera as the Home, just a smaller reservoir - Two-year warranty from Bird Buddy ### Watch out for - Small 0.9 L (3.8-cup) hopper - 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, unlike the dual-band Home - Automatic ID needs Premium ($69.99/yr Individual) - Brand-new listing with only a handful of Amazon ratings on Nov 12, 2026 ## Score breakdown Camera & capture 8.4 AI ID & app 8.6 Build, power & squirrels 7.6 Value incl. subscription 7.3 Automatic ID adds about $69.99 a year: roughly $370 over three years with the feeder. [Run the true cost](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/true-cost-calculator/#model=birdbuddy-nook-solar&years=3) ## Birdbuddy Nook Solar specs | Brand | Bird Buddy | | --- | --- | | Type | Seed feeder | | Camera | 2K HDR video, 5 MP HDR photos, same camera module as the Home, microphone | | Field of view | 135° (maker figure) | | Slow motion | With Premium | | Night vision | None (daytime camera) | | AI bird ID | AI ID needs a plan. Free plan: photos, video, livestream and manual ID. Automatic visual + audio ID needs Premium. | | Plans | Birdbuddy Premium (Individual): $69.99/yr (automatic AI ID, photo & sound ID, 2K Ultra, slow motion; mybirdbuddy.com/memberships, Nov 12, 2026 (yearly billing only)) · Birdbuddy Premium (Family): $98.99/yr (Individual features plus Premium and livestream access for guests; mybirdbuddy.com/memberships, Nov 12, 2026) | | Storage | Cloud (Birdbuddy app) · no microSD slot | | Battery | 3,900 mAh | | Solar | Built-in solar roof (Solar Roof included) | | Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz | | Capacity | 0.9 L seed | | Squirrels | No squirrel defense. Compact plastic body with no deterrent; mount it out of jumping range. | | Weather rating | IP67 | | Mounting | Hanging (metal hanger) or pole (universal mount included) | | Warranty | 2 years | | Price tier | $$ Mid-range ($100–$180). See Amazon for today's price. | - Bird Buddy's spec table lists video as "Full HD with HDR and slow motion" in one place and 2K elsewhere; Amazon and Tom's Guide describe 2K HDR. - Amazon showed $159.99 on Nov 12, 2026; Bird Buddy's own store had the Nook Solar at $139 (was $159) the same day. A non-solar Nook is $99, only on Bird Buddy's store. Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and independent reviews and may change between production runs. Check the signal and sun at your spot with the [placement checker](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/placement-checker/#model=birdbuddy-nook-solar) before you mount it. The Birdbuddy Nook Solar is Bird Buddy’s compact feeder: the same 2K HDR camera and microphone as the $199 Birdbuddy Home, in a smaller body with a Solar Roof in the box. At CES 2026 Bird Buddy described this idea as the Birdbuddy 2 Mini; it launched as the Nook in October 2026. Amazon showed the Nook Solar at $159.99 on November 12, 2026, while Bird Buddy’s own store had it at $139. We haven’t tested it ourselves; this review is based on Bird Buddy’s specs and reporting from Tom’s Guide and MacRumors. ## Who it’s for It suits balconies, patios and small yards, first-time smart-feeder owners, and gift buyers who want Bird Buddy’s app without paying for the bigger Home. Skip it if you hate refilling, need 5 GHz Wi-Fi, or want automatic ID without a subscription. ## Camera and app Bird Buddy lists 5 MP HDR photos, 2K HDR video, a 135° field of view and a camera that can sit in portrait or landscape. One spec table on Bird Buddy’s page says “Full HD with HDR and slow motion”, while the rest of the page, the Amazon listing and Tom’s Guide describe 2K HDR, so we treat 2K as the headline. A high-fidelity microphone records birdsong for sound-based ID. Tom’s Guide sums it up simply: same camera as the Home, smaller reservoir. That means the same strengths (landscape framing, the polished app) and the same Premium split. The free plan includes automatic photos and video, livestream, sharing and manual ID. Automatic visual and audio ID, 2K Ultra and slow motion need Premium, which cost $69.99 a year for an individual or $98.99 a year for a family on November 12, 2026. See [is a Bird Buddy subscription worth it?](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/). ## Size, power and build ### Small hopper The Nook holds 3.8 cups (0.9 L) and measures about 7 × 5.9 × 6.2 inches including the perch extender. Expect to refill more often than with the [Birdbuddy Home](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-home/) or any Birdfy feeder. ### Solar Roof The 3,900 mAh battery is charged by the included Solar Roof. Bird Buddy says a charge lasts up to a month depending on mode, and that the system lowers motion sensitivity after several cloudy days to save power, then restores it once the sun returns. It’s rated IP67 and for -5°F to 120°F. ### Squirrels and Wi-Fi There’s no squirrel feature, so mount it out of jumping range; our [squirrel-proof guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-squirrel-proof-camera-feeder/) explains how. Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only, so check signal at the exact spot first with the [placement checker](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/placement-checker/#model=birdbuddy-nook-solar). ## What it costs over time $159.99 plus three years of Individual Premium comes to about $370 before seed. With free-ID feeders such as the [Birdfy Feeder 2](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdfy-feeder-2/) at $129.97, the gap is wide. Compare them in the [true cost calculator](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/true-cost-calculator/#model=birdbuddy-nook-solar&years=3). ## A new listing The Nook Solar had only a handful of Amazon ratings on November 12, 2026, so there’s little long-term owner feedback yet. Bird Buddy backs feeders with a 24-month warranty and a 90-day return window, per its store. ## Alternatives - **[Birdbuddy Pro Solar](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-pro-solar/)**: the older Pro camera with the same seed capacity; often discounted. - **[Birdfy Classic](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdfy-classic/)**: free ID and 1.5 L of seed for $99.99. - **[Kiwibit 2 Mini](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/kiwibit-feeder-2-mini/)**: a compact 4K solar feeder with a microSD slot, though its ID also needs a plan. ## The verdict The Nook Solar is the Bird Buddy we’d pick for a balcony, a small yard or a first feeder: the newest camera and the best app for the least money. Plan on Premium if species names matter, and on more refills. [Check the Nook Solar on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20), or see how it ranks in our [best budget bird feeder cameras](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-budget-bird-feeder-camera/). Ready to buy? · 8.1/10 Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range · 2K · AI ID needs a plan [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) ## Accessories and supplies for the Birdbuddy Nook Solar Official and universal add-ons sold on Amazon: poles and baffles, solar, storage and the seed you'll keep buying. Check the listing confirms your exact model before you buy. - Mounting**Birdbuddy Wall Mount for walls and fences**Official Bird BuddyMounts a Bird Buddy flat to a wall, fence or window frame, which stops the swinging Digital Camera World saw on the hanger. Sold for Birdbuddy feeders; confirm the listing names your model (Pro, Home or Nook).[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ4Y5TJL?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Add-on**Birdbuddy 3-in-1 Nutrition Set (water fountain, fruit spike and tray)**Official Bird BuddyAdds water, fruit and a treat tray in front of the camera, which brings orioles, robins and other birds that don't eat seed.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVHCX1DP?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Mounting**109-inch heavy-duty bird feeder pole kit with 5-prong base**Universal fitEvery feeder here needs a pole for the most squirrel-resistant setup; none include one. Adjustable height and a hook suit hanging Bird Buddy and Perky-Pet feeders. Birdfy and Kiwibit feeders clamp to a pole with their own bracket; check the pole diameter against the bracket.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH7YNJKZ?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Squirrel-proofing**19-inch squirrel baffle for bird feeder poles**Universal fitA wide baffle on a pole placed about 10 ft from jump-off points beats any squirrel feature built into a feeder. Mount it 4–5 ft up; a baffle doesn't help if squirrels can jump from a roof, fence or branch.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NZHXCQ8?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Add-on**Metal suet ball holder for Bird Buddy smart feeders**Compatible, third-partyClips on beside the perch so woodpeckers and nuthatches feed in camera view. Third-party; uses the 5 mm accessory screw hole on Bird Buddy feeders.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2H1NPF3?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Add-on**Metal perch extender for Bird Buddy feeders**Compatible, third-partyA longer perch gives larger birds such as cardinals and jays room to land where the camera frames them.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVZTTQJT?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Seed**Wagner's 76027 Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food, 25 lb**Universal fitThe one seed nearly every feeder bird eats. Buying 25 lb at a time keeps the cost per pound low, and over 13,000 Amazon ratings say the bags are consistent.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O2T24OA?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Seed**Morning Song Sunflower Hearts & Chips Wild Bird Seed, 10 lb**Universal fitHulled sunflower: no shells to clog a camera tray or pile up under the feeder, and small birds eat it faster. Costs more per pound than in-shell seed. Keep it dry; FeederWatch notes hulled seed spoils faster than seed in the shell.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCN16Z67?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Seed**Pennington Select Safflower Seed, 15 lb**Universal fitCardinals, titmice and doves take it; squirrels and grackles mostly don't. A good switch when the feeder is being raided.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMPRKF65?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - Seed**Wagner's 62050 Nyjer Seed Wild Bird Food, 10 lb**Universal fitThe goldfinch and siskin seed. Nyjer is tiny and spills from most open-tray camera feeders. Use it in a separate small-port finch feeder placed in view of the camera, or a hopper with fine ports.[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OOKJ58?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) Compatibility checked November 2026. More in our [bird feeder camera accessories guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/accessories/). ## Featured in our guides - [Best Bird Feeder Camera for Balcony and Apartment (2026): 5 Compact Picks](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-bird-feeder-camera-for-apartment-balcony/) - [Bird Buddy vs Birdfy (2026): Which Smart Bird Feeder Brand Should You Buy?](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-vs-birdfy/) - [Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home) vs Bird Buddy Pro: Is the Upgrade Worth It?](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-2-vs-bird-buddy-pro/) - [Is a Bird Buddy Subscription Worth It? Premium vs Free Explained (2026)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/) ## Birdbuddy Nook Solar FAQ ### Is the Birdbuddy Nook the Bird Buddy 2 Mini? Effectively. At CES 2026 Bird Buddy announced a smaller Birdbuddy 2 Mini with the same camera tech and less seed capacity. The feeder that launched alongside the Home in October 2026 is called the Nook, and Tom's Guide says it has the Home's camera with a smaller reservoir. ### How much seed does the Nook hold? Bird Buddy lists 3.8 cups, or 0.9 liters, the same as the Birdbuddy Pro and well under the Home's 6 cups. ### Does the Nook need a subscription? No, but automatic species ID does. The free plan gives photos, video, livestream and manual ID. Premium cost $69.99 a year (Individual) or $98.99 a year (Family) on November 12, 2026. ### What's the price difference between the Nook and Nook Solar? On November 12, 2026 Amazon showed the Nook Solar at $159.99, and Bird Buddy's own store had it at $139 (was $159). The non-solar Nook is $99 and only sold on Bird Buddy's store. ### Does the Nook support 5 GHz Wi-Fi? No. Bird Buddy's spec page lists 2.4 GHz home networks only, unlike the dual-band Birdbuddy Home. ## Sources - [amazon.com (B0GXZN4WT1)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - [shop.mybirdbuddy.com](https://shop.mybirdbuddy.com/product/birdbuddy-nook-solar-b/) - [tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/home/smart-home/ive-been-using-the-birdbuddy-home-for-nearly-a-year-3-things-i-love-about-this-smart-bird-feeder-and-2-i-dont) Not sold yet? ## Alternatives to the Birdbuddy Nook Solar ![Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Solar 4K HDR](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/kiwibit-solar-4k.DGU67sim_1bIeG4.webp) ### [Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Solar 4K HDR](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/kiwibit-solar-4k/) 7.9 - 4K - AI ID needs a plan - Built-in solar roof Detail lovers in sunny yards who want 4K and a strong solar roof, and either pay once for Lifetime AI or skip ID. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range main listing on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHW2TCRX?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/kiwibit-solar-4k/) ![Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Mini (4K Solar)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/kiwibit-feeder-2-mini.CZRhEiLc_2cOtrH.webp) ### [Kiwibit Bird Feeder 2 Mini (4K Solar)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/kiwibit-feeder-2-mini/) 7.5 - 4K - AI ID needs a plan - Built-in solar roof Small spaces and budget 4K: a compact solar feeder with local storage, if you're fine paying for ID or skipping it. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1RLSG6W?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/kiwibit-feeder-2-mini/) ![Perky-Pet Solar Smart Bird Feeder with Camera (3.2 L)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/perky-pet-solar-camera-feeder.BWwM85Qh_Z2ecfgY.webp) ### [Perky-Pet Solar Smart Bird Feeder with Camera (3.2 L)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/perky-pet-solar-camera-feeder/) 6.5 - 1080p - No AI ID - Solar panel included - Squirrel-proof Squirrel wars: the only feeder here with a mechanical, weight-activated squirrel guard, from a classic feeder brand. $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range today's price on Amazon [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRB1761H?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/perky-pet-solar-camera-feeder/) [Compare all 16 feeders →](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/) ## Helpful guides [Top picks ### The 8 Best Bird Feeder Cameras of 2026: Smart Feeders Ranked by Camera, AI ID and True Cost The best bird feeder cameras of 2026, ranked: Birdfy Metal 2 4K, Bird Buddy Pro Solar, Birdfy Feeder 2 Pro and more, with subscription costs and solar notes. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-bird-feeder-cameras-2026/)[No monthly fee ### Best Smart Bird Feeders Without a Subscription (2026): Free AI Bird ID, No Monthly Fees The best smart bird feeders with no subscription in 2026: Birdfy models with free AI ID, Humbirdy 4K, Kiwibit Lifetime AI and Perky-Pet, with what's free. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-smart-bird-feeder-without-subscription/)[Budget ### Best Budget Bird Feeder Cameras (2026): Good Smart Feeders Under $130 The best budget bird feeder cameras of 2026: Birdfy Classic, Soliom BF08, birdsnap TUC, Kiwibit 2 Mini and Birdfy Feeder 2, with the hidden subscription costs. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-budget-bird-feeder-camera/) Birdbuddy Nook Solar $$$$ Mid-range Price tier: Mid-range [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)