WIRED Updates Bird-Watching Gift Guide With Smart Tech and Field Gear

WIRED has released an updated curated gift guide for bird enthusiasts, featuring tested recommendations across categories such as smart feeders, binoculars, field guides, and bird-watching games. The article highlights specific products including the Birdfy smart nest box, Moment phone lenses, and the Hibird bird camera, noting their suitability for various ages and experience levels. The guide was refreshed in May 2026, introducing a new format alongside swapped product picks and the addition of a game, a smart nest box, a journal, and a new jacket.

Among the technological highlights is the Birdfy smart nest box, identified as the best tested stand-alone bird camera. The device features two 2-MP cameras and AI identification, though the latter was rated just OK by the reviewer. It also includes a Dr. Bird ChatGPT-like help feature, which the author found not particularly helpful. For those preferring a traditional approach, the Birdfy smart feeder was praised for its balance of price, features, and reliability without requiring a subscription.

Photography options have also been scrutinised, with Moment phone lenses recommended specifically for iPhone users to enhance bird photography. The selection includes the 1.33X Anamorphic, 10X Macro, and 14-mm Fisheye lenses. These are designed to provide more detailed and dramatic photos from expeditions without the need to carry a full camera setup. The Hibird bird camera was also noted for its ability to stream 4K HD video and push 1080p pics, compatible with both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz Wi-Fi networks.

For those seeking literature, the David Sibley field guide is described as the definitive source for bird facts, despite being potentially too heavy for comfortable field reading. Another book highlighted is Blakiston's Fish Owl, a nonfiction memoir by Jonathan Slaght detailing a five-year project to catalog the world's largest living owl in eastern Russia. Additionally, a journal and a Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket were added to the list, the latter noted for its loose fit, hood coverage, and PFAS-free recycled polyester fabric.

The publication also notes that while the David Sibley Field Guide is a comprehensive resource, its weight may make it impractical for use in the field. Similarly, the AI identification feature in the Birdfy smart nest box and the Dr. Bird help feature received mixed reviews regarding their utility. The guide serves as a comprehensive resource for those looking to support bird lovers, covering everything from backyard setups to serious field observation gear.