Birdfy’s Hum Bloom uses hydraulic feeder to film hummingbirds at 120 fps
Birdfy’s newest gadget, Hum Bloom, promises something most backyard birdwatchers can’t get on their own: crisp, 120‑fps slow‑motion video of a hummingbird mid‑hover. The device bolts onto a branch, then positions a tiny camera so the insect’s rapid wingbeats fill the frame. What makes it stand out isn’t just the resolution; it’s the way the feeder keeps the bird in view without human intervention.
By automating nectar delivery, the system lets the bird linger long enough for the camera to catch every flick of its wings. Sensors monitor the nectar reservoir, pinging the Birdy mobile app when it runs low, so users can top it up without disturbing the scene. While the tech is impressive, the real question is whether this self‑serving, high‑speed setup can reliably produce the kind of footage that turns a fleeting garden visit into a reusable research clip.
Here’s how the feeder is built to stay on a branch or other support and features a hydraulic system to pump nectar into the feeding bulb that dangles in front of the camera so a hovering hummingbird is always perfectly framed.
The feeder is designed to hang from a tree branch or other support and features a hydraulic system to pump nectar into the feeding bulb that dangles in front of the camera so a hovering hummingbird is always perfectly framed. Sensors track nectar levels and send alerts to the Birdy mobile app when a refill is needed, while an "ant moat" above the feeder helps prevent the nectar-loving insects from swarming the feeder. The Birdfy Feeder Vista features a pair of back-to-back cameras, similar to what you'll find on the DJI Osmo 360 and the Insta360 X5, that can capture 14MP panoramic stills or 6K 360-degree videos at 30fps.
Dropping the resolution to 2K enables slow-motion video recording at up to 120fps, and you have the option of viewing just a single camera at a time for a wide-angle view. Unlike most smart birdfeeders that hide a gravity-powered seed dispenser behind their cameras, the Feeder Vista employs a unique air-powered piston to push seeds up into the feeder area from a sealed container below. This approach ensures the container is always out of frame in 360-degree images and videos, and it allows you to remotely control "feeding speed and portion size" using the Birdfy mobile app.
Both of the new feeders are capable of identifying and providing details about visiting birds using Birdfy's LLM-powered OrniSense AI. While the Hum Bloom relies on traditional motion sensing to detect hummingbirds in flight, the Feeder Vista uses a new weight sensor that helps ensure only birds that land to feed are recorded. Animals, cars, or people moving through the frame are ignored.
Knowing how much a bird weighs also allows the AI to estimate its size which improves its accuracy when identifying it.
Birdfy’s Hum Bloom arrives with a hydraulic feeder that positions a nectar bulb directly in front of a 120 fps camera, promising a consistently framed hover. The system also monitors nectar levels and pushes alerts to the Birdy mobile app, a feature that could simplify maintenance for backyard birders. The companion Feeder Vista adds a 360‑degree lens and a bottom‑up feeding design meant to keep the feeding area clear of obstructions. Both devices are slated for a Q2 2026 release, aligning with the lead‑up to CES 2026.
Whether the hydraulic mechanism will reliably keep hummingbirds in frame under varying wind conditions remains uncertain. Likewise, the effectiveness of the sensor‑driven alerts in real‑world use has yet to be demonstrated. The promised slow‑motion footage could offer new insight into hummingbird behavior, but practical adoption will likely hinge on how well the technology performs outside controlled demonstrations. For now, the specifications suggest a thoughtful integration of optics and feeding mechanics, though the true utility for hobbyists and researchers alike is still to be confirmed.
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Common Questions Answered
How does Birdfy’s Hum Bloom keep a hummingbird perfectly framed for its 120‑fps camera?
Hum Bloom uses a hydraulic system that pumps nectar into a feeding bulb positioned directly in front of the camera, encouraging the bird to hover in the exact spot. This automated nectar delivery lets the camera capture the rapid wingbeats without manual adjustments.
What role does the ant moat play in the Hum Bloom feeder design?
The ant moat sits above the feeding bulb and creates a barrier that prevents ants and other nectar‑loving insects from reaching the nectar source. By keeping these insects away, the feeder ensures the hummingbird remains the sole visitor, maintaining clear footage.
How does the Birdy mobile app assist users in maintaining the Hum Bloom feeder?
Sensors inside the feeder monitor nectar levels and automatically send refill alerts to the Birdy mobile app. This real‑time notification system helps backyard birdwatchers keep the feeder stocked without constantly checking it manually.
What additional features does the companion Feeder Vista offer compared to Hum Bloom?
Feeder Vista adds a 360‑degree lens and a bottom‑up feeding design, which keeps the feeding area clear of obstructions and provides a broader viewing angle. These enhancements complement Hum Bloom’s high‑speed video by offering more versatile recording options.