It's peak bird season, and for many, birdwatching no longer requires expensive equipment and weekends camped out in the woods.
A recent video that went viral on social media shows an automated backyard feeder capturing images of everything from the first twig laid in a nest to fledglings taking their maiden flight.
"Every time I get a notification (from the feeder), I run to check who showed up," a user wrote online, marveling at the solar-powered, livestreaming feeder that has transformed their backyard into a miniature wildlife observatory.
At the heart of this surge in backyard birding are Netvue's bird-feeding devices. Best known for its smart video doorbells and home security systems, the company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, has repurposed its home-safety technologies for bird enthusiasts, launching its Birdfy brand in 2020.
While Europe and North America have long enjoyed a mature birdwatching culture, traditional outdoor birding and wildlife photography have historically relied on expensive equipment, lengthy waiting periods and specialized skills. According to the 2025 State of the Birds report, the United States now boasts nearly 100 million bird-watchers. Annual spending by these enthusiasts — including travel, equipment, apparel and photography gear — has reached $108 billion.
Birdfy offers a new perspective: the view from one's own backyard. The company describes the strategy as a leap from "home security" to "human-nature connection", and it's paying off.
Expanding into markets including the US and Europe, with products priced between $119.99 and $279.99, Birdfy has quickly become an Amazon bestseller in its category.
"It started when we noticed users were sharing unexpected bird footage captured by our security cameras," said Hu Youle, chief technology officer of Netvue. "Backyard birding with smart cameras wasn't just a novelty. It reflected a real human desire to reconnect with nature."
The company's philosophy is simple: Nature doesn't have to be distant. Unlike standard cameras for safety purposes, these smart feeders are engineered for wildlife with features including 4K imaging, dual-camera systems, lowlight adaptability and solar power.
To enable fast, dynamic recording under various lighting conditions, the company has trained vertical artificial intelligence models capable of identifying species, tracking movements, and even distinguishing males from females. Plans are underway to predict potentially sick birds, providing enthusiasts with a conservation tool alongside their hobbies. The product line continues to expand into smart birdhouses and birdbaths.
Documenting sightings is also part of Birdfy's business model. Birdfy has cultivated an international ecosystem where enthusiasts share rare captures, fueling ongoing engagement. "Users aren't paying for cloud storage," Hu said. "They're paying for the thrill of discovering a new visitor in their yard."
In China, RedNote's 2025 Birdwatching Trend Report highlighted a dramatic rise in birding among younger consumers. According to the report, searches for "birding" surged nineteenfold year-on-year, and users around the age of 25 have become the dominant demographic driving online content.
Liu Feng, CEO of Birdfans.com, which has more than 400,000 registered users, explained the broader forces behind this growth. "Young people today seek a deeper connection with nature," Liu said. "Birding has become a fashionable, emotional lifestyle connected to the natural world. Coupled with online social sharing platforms, it's creating a thriving digital ecosystem for enthusiasts."
Birding tourism is also taking flight, with remote areas such as Mingxi county in Fujian province attracting European and US visitors.
With smart technology, AI and community engagement converging, companies such as Netvue see enormous market potential.
