Jennifer Garner's smart bird feeder is the key to wildlife-spotting success – she relies on this exact model in her backyard
'I just became a birder, and it turns out my yard has the prettiest birds in all of California': This is how we can follow suit, no matter the location
It seems that not even celebrities are immune to the simple pleasure of bird-watching, especially when it comes to the creatures that grace our own backyards. Jennifer Garner is the latest figure to prove that, in some ways, Hollywood stars can be just like the rest of us after excitedly revealing her new hobby.
'I just became a birder, and it turns out my yard has the prettiest birds in all of California. So, I have a little modeling agency for dark-eyed Jukio and Oat Titmouse and California too-whee. I don’t know what to tell you – they’re gorgeous,' she says. Choosing plants for birds is one way to encourage such creatures to our yards; however, we can help our cause further with a smart feeder that not only attracts birds but films them, too. And what better way to see it in action than with the footage filmed in Garner's own yard?
In the Instagram footage, Garner shows her Birdbuddy Original Smart Bird Feeder at work. The solar-powered bird feeder comes with a camera that notifies users of any feathered visitors via an app before organizing the images into a collection that's easily viewable and shareable. Equipped with artificial intelligence, it recognizes over 1,000 bird species (yes, even the ultra-rare ones we always wondered about).
The Bird Buddy smart bird feeder has a modern bird-friendly design with a protective roof. It comes with a clear back that offers the birds a better visibility of the seeds, thus quickly attracting them to the feeder.
A post shared by Jennifer Garner (@jennifer.garner)
A photo posted by on
Garner's Bird Buddy feeder is an impactful way to invite birds into our yard and enjoy their presence long after they depart. However, we can still follow the actress's new hobby via more traditional methods. For instance, we can create natural bird feeders with things like suet treats or orange peels. However, we can also encourage birds with a regular feeding routine, as Nicholas Watts, the owner of Vine House Farm bird food, explains.
'Birds will be more likely to visit your garden if they know there is a reliable source of food, and one way to demonstrate that to them is to set food out at the same time every day. This can encourage repeat visitors which can help to fill up your garden with a wider variety of birds,' he says.
It's also important to monitor our feeder hygiene levels to limit any contamination that could be harmful to the birds. 'Wash your feeder at least once a week to help stop the spread of diseases and protect your local garden creatures,' Watts adds.
Garner's feeder aside, we also recommend these alternatives (all of which come with a camera). It's what the actress would want for us, after all.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Lastly, while we may be in the depths of summer currently, Watts warns that we should adapt the food we use in our feeder throughout the year—especially in states that have particularly cold winters.
'Winter means birds use more energy to keep warm and move around during the day, so your local birds need all the strength they can get to make it through the period successfully,' he says.
'Fat-rich foods like suet and sunflower hearts keep birds going so laying these out before and during the bird watch encourages them to your garden and keeps them going for longer once they leave.'
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
5 telltale signs your home needs a vapor barrier this winter and beyond
Protect your property and lower energy bills with this installation
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How to grow sanguisorba – to add ethereal beauty and winter interest to your yard
Everything you need to know about growing this low-maintenance yet beautiful hardy perennial
By Ruth Hayes Published
-
Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection embraces flower power – this one item literally lights up a room
The latest decor drop includes a vintage-inspired flower lamp, which retails for under $48 – and it was the first thing in our carts
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Diane Keaton's new decor collection is a celebration of wit and playful irreverence – directly inspired by her quirky home
The collaboration offers a humorous twist to the most simple color palette of all – bringing Keaton's flare to our entertaining spaces
By Megan Slack Published
-
RuPaul's kitchen is sleek and sophisticated thanks to this unexpected cabinet color
RuPaul's black kitchen cabinets are undeniably bold, yet have a surprisingly soothing effect that get the expert stamp of approval
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Justin Baldoni's anti-trend kitchen cabinet color serves as the perfect 'blank canvas' – this style will never fade
The actor knows that this color transcends fads, so he used it for his kitchen cabinets - experts swear by the classic, calming shade
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Cynthia Nixon's sofa color is a 'cornerstone in modern interior design' – it's a classic for a reason
Cynthia Nixon's gray sofa proves that the neutral hue is anything but outdated, pairing the soft shade with some warm, natural materials for a trendy look
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Pastry chef Dominique Ansel shares the 3 most useful appliances every home baker needs in their kitchen
The celebrity pastry chef swears by these pieces of equipment to level up your home baking - and explains the one item he can't live without
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
Martha Stewart's dining room taps into this timely trend – here's how to recreate the look
Martha Stewart's Skylands property in Maine has been decked out with a summer-ready tablescape, featuring collectible plates and coveted glassware
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Jamie Lee Curtis's luxurious bedding is a favorite among sleep experts – and it's surprisingly low-maintenance
Jamie Lee Curtis's bedding has benefits for skin, hair, and sleeping temperature - experts say it is exceedingly simple to care for
By Sophie Edwards Published