Create Your Perfect Reading Nook with Walmart Home Essentials

Creating a Cozy Reading Nook at Home

Transforming your home into a peaceful retreat starts with creating a reading nook. This small, inviting space allows you to escape into the world of books while enjoying comfort and relaxation. Whether you're curling up with a novel in the morning or unwinding with a mystery at night, a well-designed reading nook can become your favorite spot in the house.

What Makes a Great Reading Nook?

A reading nook is more than just a chair and a bookshelf. It's a carefully curated space that offers both functionality and comfort. The key elements include:

• Comfortable Seating: A plush armchair, a recliner, a window seat, or even a small couch can serve as the centerpiece of your nook. Choose something that supports your posture and feels inviting.
• Soft Textiles: Add pillows and blankets to make the area feel warm and welcoming. These items not only enhance comfort but also add visual appeal.
• Functional Storage: A nearby bookshelf or a small table can hold your favorite books, magazines, and other reading materials. This keeps everything organized and within reach.
• Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting such as a desk lamp or a floor lamp can create a cozy atmosphere, especially during evening reading sessions.

Essential Items for Your Reading Nook

To fully enjoy your reading nook, consider adding these must-have items:

• Coffee Station: Keep a coffee maker, mugs, and a small tray nearby so you can sip on your favorite drink while reading. A hot cup of coffee can make any reading session more enjoyable.
• Candles and Scented Products: Light a candle to set the mood during the evening. Choose scents that promote relaxation, such as lavender or vanilla.
• Snack Area: Include a small table or shelf where you can place snacks, a notebook, or a journal. This makes it easy to grab a quick bite or jot down thoughts without leaving your cozy space.

Shopping for Your Reading Nook

Finding the perfect items for your reading nook can be an exciting adventure. Many retailers offer a wide range of products designed to enhance your home environment. For example, Walmart provides a variety of options that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Whether you're looking for a comfortable chair, a stylish bookshelf, or a cozy blanket, Walmart has something for everyone. By shopping with them, you can easily find all the essentials needed to create your ideal reading nook.

Tips for Shopping Smart

When shopping for your reading nook, keep the following tips in mind:

• Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. This helps avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Prioritize Comfort: Invest in items that provide the most comfort, such as a high-quality chair or a soft rug.
• Mix and Match: Combine different textures and colors to create a visually appealing space. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles.
• Personalize Your Space: Add personal touches like artwork, photos, or decorative items that reflect your personality and interests.

Final Thoughts

Creating a reading nook is a wonderful way to enhance your home and improve your reading experience. With the right combination of furniture, accessories, and personal touches, you can transform any corner of your home into a peaceful retreat. Whether you're a book lover or simply looking for a quiet place to relax, a well-designed reading nook can provide the perfect escape. Start shopping today and bring your vision to life.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes 400 km with Ground-Based Missile

Introduction to the Protector: Ukraine’s Advanced Ground-Based Robotic System

Ukraine has unveiled a groundbreaking ground-based robotic system called the Protector, developed by the defense company Ukrainian Armor. This innovative technology is being showcased as a significant advancement in military capabilities, offering a range of features that make it a versatile and powerful asset on the battlefield.

Features and Capabilities of the Protector

The Protector functions like a full-sized vehicle but without a steering wheel, pedals, or driver. Instead, it is operated remotely, allowing for greater flexibility and safety in combat situations. The system is built on an off-road vehicle chassis, which enables it to carry up to 700 kg and tow a trailer. This makes it ideal for transporting supplies, equipment, and even injured personnel.

Anastasiia Oleshchuk, the project manager for unmanned systems development, shared details of an experiment where the Protector successfully towed a trailer carrying a three-tonne car. The system handled the task flawlessly, demonstrating its strength and reliability. Additionally, the cargo area can hold three wounded individuals lying down simultaneously, highlighting its potential for medical evacuation purposes.

In the future, the Protector could be equipped with combat modules, including machine guns or grenade launchers, further enhancing its versatility and effectiveness in various military scenarios.

Communication Systems and Operator Console

The new vehicle is equipped with three types of communication systems and two antennas. Currently, the left antenna is a dummy, but this could change in the future. According to Oleshchuk, the left antenna could be replaced with an operational one to support additional technologies. The system is designed to resist electronic warfare by switching between its three communication channels to counter interference.

The right antenna handles the connection to the operator console, which uses a layout similar to that of a conventional car. On flat terrain, the communication range is 7 km, extending up to 12 km in open areas. The system also carries a Starlink antenna, providing an additional communication option.

Power and Performance

The Protector is powered by a 3-litre diesel engine producing 190 hp, giving it a range of 400-500 km, significantly more than other designs. The system can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, making it suitable for a wide range of terrains and conditions.

Safety and Control Features

The system features a red button on its body that can instantly cut power to all drone systems, ensuring immediate shutdown in emergency situations. Cameras for both day and night operations are installed on the vehicle, providing operators with real-time visual feedback.

Mass Production and Deployment

Mass production of the Protector is reported to have begun, meaning these vehicles can be expected on the front lines soon. This marks a significant step forward in Ukraine's military modernization efforts.

Background and Additional Features

Earlier, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence officially codified the Protector and approved it for use by the defense forces. It was also revealed that the Protector is equipped with RunFlat wheels, enabling it to keep moving even if they are damaged. This feature enhances the system's durability and reliability in challenging environments.

As the Protector moves into mass production, it represents a major advancement in Ukraine's military technology, offering enhanced capabilities for both logistics and combat operations. Its design and features reflect a commitment to innovation and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.

Cheshire Schools Boost Progress Without Cell Phones

Addressing the Challenge of Student Distraction in Modern Classrooms

As students across the state return to school, educators are increasingly focused on a critical challenge: maintaining student attention in an environment filled with distractions. With the constant presence of smartphones and other digital devices, it’s more important than ever for schools to find effective strategies to keep students engaged and focused.

One district that has taken a proactive approach is Cheshire Public Schools. Administrators there have implemented policies aimed at reducing the impact of technology on learning and social interaction. Kristin Pelz, Assistant Principal at Cheshire High School, highlighted the importance of community involvement and parental support in this effort.

“Our approach has been about bringing in the community, getting parental support, and getting students on board. So, everybody has expectations that we’re going to put parameters in place,” Pelz explained.

The initiative began a few years ago when school leaders noticed how disruptive phones had become in classrooms. Taryn DiSorbo, a math teacher at Cheshire Public Schools, recalled the shift in student behavior.

“I missed the connections that students were making. They stopped interacting with each other. I would give them a break, or we’d be transitioning, and it would be silent,” she said.

To address this issue, teachers now collect students’ phones at the start of class and store them in pouches, buckets, or bins at the front of the classroom. Susan Chasen, a chemistry teacher at Cheshire High School, shared her experience with the policy.

“I felt like it really made a big difference. Not only in their engagement when I was trying to present material or they were working on things, but in little moments of downtime, they were actually interacting with each other and talking to each other,” she said.

In addition to physical phone storage, teachers are also adapting their lesson plans to better suit modern student attention spans. Holly Skrzyniarz, a history teacher at Cheshire High School, noted the changes over the years.

“Students’ attention span has definitely shifted. It’s much shorter than when I started teaching. So, you kind of have to develop your hour, you know, as mini lessons,” she said.

This shift has led to more dynamic and varied teaching methods, ensuring that students remain engaged throughout the class period.

Parents are also playing a key role in this effort. The district has encouraged families to read books about anxiety and smartphone dependence during the summer months. Afterward, book talks were held where many parents discussed ways to reduce their children’s reliance on technology.

“I think when you see the parents of the young children, they’re just getting ahead of it. Because, you know, their kids are growing up with these phones and they want to get ahead of (it), before it becomes a problem. So, they’re talking about alternatives,” Pelz said.

Some parents are even considering delaying the introduction of smartphones and social media until high school. Pelz believes this decision could help students develop healthier habits early on.

“So, I think they’re going to grow into adults that have good boundaries. I’m really hopeful that they’re learning these life skills now, going through school, having some boundaries,” she said. “We’re helping teach them a lifelong skill. It’s about developing habits. And so, if they can develop a healthy relation and a healthy habits about if they could develop healthy habits about their phone use, they’re going to be better off as adults.”

Google Zero: New Threat to Publishers as AI Dims Site Traffic

Understanding the Impact of Google’s AI Features on Media Companies

Media companies are increasingly concerned about a phenomenon known as “Google Zero,” which refers to a potential decline in web traffic due to Google's new AI features. These features, such as AI Overviews, are designed to provide users with concise summaries of search results, often eliminating the need to click through to source pages. This shift has raised alarms among publishers, who fear that their content is being used without proper compensation and visibility.

Following the US launch of Google's AI tools, the UK market has also seen these features introduced, intensifying concerns among media firms. The introduction of AI Overviews has already led to a noticeable drop in search-driven traffic for many companies. According to a report by Enders and the Professional Publishers Association (PPA), media companies experienced a loss of visibility and value in May, as their content was utilized without fair compensation. The report highlighted that roughly half of media firms had observed a decline in search-driven traffic over the past year.

The Role of AI Overviews in Traffic Decline

AI Overviews have been identified as a significant factor in the traffic drop for publishers. The PPA noted that 80% of users rely on “zero-click searches” for at least two out of every five queries. This means that users are not clicking through to the original sources of information, leading to a decrease in referral traffic for media companies.

Recent research by Pew and Authoritas found that Google users clicked on fewer links when AI summaries were present in search results. However, Google has criticized these studies, arguing that they are based on flawed methodologies. Despite this, the data from Digital Content Next, a US media industry group, revealed that median referral traffic from Google Search to premium publishers declined by 10% in May and June compared to the same period last year.

Publisher Perspectives and Concerns

Sajeeda Merali, CEO of the Professional Publishers Association, emphasized that some publishers relying on Google to drive readers to their content have already seen a decline in UK “click-throughs” since the arrival of AI Overviews. She pointed out that AI Mode and Overviews are absorbing traffic that lifestyle publishers once received from guidance-driven content, such as recommendations or gardening tips. For example, one automotive publisher experienced a 25% fall in traffic to first-ranked articles, despite a 7% gain in search visibility.

Merali remarked, “Given the tool is offering fewer links, I think that can only be a bad thing [for publishers]. AI Mode is just an extension of the problem.” Her comments reflect the broader concern among publishers that the shift towards AI-driven search results is detrimental to their business models.

Google’s Response and Future Implications

Despite the concerns raised by publishers, Google maintains that cumulative organic clicks from Search have remained stable. During a July meeting with publishers, Google claimed that search referrals from AI Overview pages were “higher quality,” as those users typically spent more time on-site. Additionally, the company stated that total organic clicks from Search have held steady over the past year, with users showing deeper engagement.

Liz Reid, head of Google Search, commented, “While overall traffic to sites is relatively stable, the web is vast, and user trends are shifting traffic to different sites, resulting in decreased traffic to some sites and increased traffic to others.” This statement highlights the complex nature of online traffic dynamics and the challenges publishers face in adapting to changing user behaviors.

Preparing for a New Era of Search Traffic

In response to these challenges, publishers are preparing for a future less dependent on Google. Piers North, who leads Reach, mentioned that change is underway in how search traffic operates. He emphasized the need for adaptation to “Google Zero,” a future that contrasts sharply with the search-centric system that has shaped online content for the last 25 years.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, media companies must find innovative ways to maintain their visibility and ensure fair compensation for their content. The ongoing dialogue between publishers and Google will play a crucial role in shaping the future of online journalism and content distribution.

Ohio Restaurant Challenges AI With Human Sommeliers at September Wine Event

A New Challenge: Sommeliers vs. AI in the Wine World

In a world where technology continues to reshape industries, even the most traditional fields are not immune to change. Moreland Hills, Ohio, is home to Cru Uncorked, a fine-dining restaurant that has taken a bold step into the future by exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in wine pairing. The idea began with a simple question from a guest: “Are you worried about AI taking your job?” This question sparked a conversation among the team at Cru Uncorked, particularly Chris Oppewall, president and sommelier.

At first, the thought of AI pairing wine with food seemed absurd. However, as the restaurant already used AI for inventory management and wine education, the possibility of using it for more complex tasks like pairing became intriguing. Oppewall decided to experiment by inputting tasting menus and special dishes into AI tools such as Copilot and ChatGPT. The results were surprisingly good, leading to a new initiative: the Sommelier Showdown dinner series titled “Somm vs. AI.”

The event, scheduled for September 11, will feature Chef Sam Lesniak presenting a four-course menu to three sommeliers—Oppewall, Janine Poleman, and Anthony Taylor. Each sommelier will pair wines with at least one course, while AI will also provide its own pairings. All wines must come from the restaurant’s extensive cellar of 15,000 bottles.

During the dinner, guests will receive two wines per course, without knowing which pairing was done by a human or an AI. After each course, they will cast a vote for their favorite wine. At the end of the evening, the winners—whether human or machine—will be revealed.

Despite the excitement around AI, Oppewall emphasizes that humans remain in control. “One out of 10 AI answers can be offbeat, like suggesting a Syrah with scallops,” he explained. In such cases, he would ask the AI to try again rather than risk a poor recommendation. For now, he doesn’t believe AI poses a threat to sommelier jobs.

“There are so many touchpoints involved in managing wine inventory,” he said. Additionally, the personal connection between sommeliers and guests plays a crucial role. “A sommelier has a greater capacity to read the table and understand the guest’s preferences.”

This unique event highlights the evolving relationship between technology and tradition in the culinary world. It also invites guests to engage with both human expertise and AI capabilities in a fun and interactive way.

For those interested in participating, details can be found on the AI vs. Sommeliers page. Cru Uncorked is located at 34300 Chagrin Blvd in Moreland Hills. The restaurant also hosts tastings and classes for wine enthusiasts, offering a deeper dive into the world of wine.

As AI continues to make its mark, the wine industry remains a space where innovation and tradition can coexist. Whether it's the human touch or the precision of AI, the goal remains the same: to enhance the dining experience and bring people together through the shared love of wine.

Pop-up Palooza in the Hamptons

The Rise of Pop-Ups in the Hamptons

Kiki Couchman and Elan Halpern, two Stanford graduates, have taken an unconventional approach to launching their probiotic-rich yogurt start-up, Sourmilk. After leaving their jobs in private equity and tech, they’ve relied on what they call “the drug-dealer method” to move product. Without a physical storefront, they use social media to generate interest and then deliver online orders directly to customers, often meeting them at street corners or businesses in Manhattan and Brooklyn. While this method is labor-intensive for a $5 serving of yogurt, it’s necessary for selling a perishable product without a traditional retail space.

For now, the pop-up model is the only way to go. However, as summer approached, the duo knew they needed to expand their customer base. They targeted the Hamptons, where wealthier and older New Yorkers reside—potential future city customers. They found a spot at SoulCycle’s Bridgehampton location, which invited them to participate in a multi-vendor pop-up in early July. This brief stint led to a week of sold-out pop-ups across the Hamptons, and they have since secured a retail partner for the fall in the city, with several other retailers on the South Fork also showing interest.

Exposure Over Revenue

Not all brands are focused on immediate sales when setting up pop-ups. For example, Austin-based lifestyle brand Katie Kime launched a pop-up at Goop in Sag Harbor this summer, offering bags, pajamas, and ice buckets customized with Hamptons motifs like the Parrish Art Museum and Sag Harbor Cinema. For founder and CEO Katie Kime, the goal isn’t just extra revenue—it’s about exposure. “You’re so closely concentrated within and beside the top brands in the world. I just haven’t seen anything else like it,” she said.

This trend has attracted hundreds of other brands, leading to some controversy among local small businesses. Heidi Humes, owner of Sunshine Amagansett, a concept store in East Hampton, worries that the surge of pop-ups is taking money away from smaller local shops struggling to survive. She had to move her store two years ago when her landlord rented the space to a high-end brand from the city.

Humes doesn’t mind small, thoughtfully curated pop-ups like those from Katie Kime and Sourmilk, which test the market and engage with potential customers. In fact, pop-ups are a weekly event at her shop, which features merchandise from female artisans worldwide. However, she finds it disheartening when big luxury brands set up shop. “It felt like commercialism did a hostile takeover this season,” she said.

A New Era of Commercialism

The influx of pop-ups has changed the Hamptons’ landscape. What was once a place for relaxation and escape has become more crowded with city vendors, fitness instructors, and restaurants setting up temporarily. One summer resident joked, “Don’t people just go to the beach with a sandy paperback and then come home and throw a few burgers on the grill anymore?”

Luxury stores have long been part of the Hamptons scene, but now there are pop-up brokers facilitating these events, pairing out-of-town brands with local companies. Commerce has moved beyond main streets and into prime waterfront locations or historic luxury hotels.

Ice-cream pop-ups have become particularly popular, with luxury brands like Gucci serving Jon & Vinny’s from a cart. The Maidstone Hotel partnered with Brooklyn’s L’Appartement 4F, which spent $500 to have its croissants shipped east for the weekend. Clothing brands like Sezane and Saks, which has an online storefront on Amazon, have also set up in the area. Chanel even hosted a “summer salon” at the Hedges Inn, while Topping Rose Hotel in Bridgehampton featured rotating luxury pop-ups from Ferragamo, Burberry, and Giorgio Armani X Kith.

From Pop-Up to Permanent

Some brands have graduated from pop-ups to permanent spaces. Love, Binetti, after years of doing pop-ups, set up a permanent location in Sag Harbor last year and hosted pop-ups itself, including one with Missoni Home, Assouline, and New York vintage shops like Khata Space.

Multiple New York restaurants, calling themselves pop-ups, showed up for the summer with seasonal leases. Out-of-town retailers like Elyse Walker, Rebecca Minkoff, and Carbon-38 followed suit. Some brands popped in for curated events, such as Cindy Crawford hosting a small industry lunch at Pierre’s in Bridgehampton for her beauty company Meaningful Beauty. Yola, a mezcal maker, held a happy hour at Lucky’s in East Hampton with shrimp cocktail, tomato salad, and specialty cocktails.

Montauk: A Summerlong Pop-Up

Montauk became a hub of activity throughout the summer, with the Surf Lodge turning into a giant summerlong pop-up featuring takeovers by Casablanca, Ned’s Club, and Asos. Gurney’s Resort had a beachfront takeover by Dolce & Gabbana, offering a Cadillac “experience” with chauffeured rides. Sisley took over the Montauk Yacht Club with themed treatment rooms, while Hero Beach Club offered weekend wellness activations with sponsors like DanceBody offering workouts alongside free sports bras and tights.

The workout space, surrounded by dozens of brands offering potions, powders, and branded items, was largely staffed by brand ambassadors handing out products for exposure. “People basically leave with a tote full of landfill,” said one Hamptons regular.

Influencers and the Pop-Up Cycle

The presence of influencers in the Hamptons has amplified the pop-up frenzy. Their posts can spark a chain reaction, bringing more pop-ups to the area. This cycle is familiar in New York, but not everyone is comfortable with local spots becoming crowded with people mostly there for the Instagram feed. A Reddit user commented, “Influencers and brand pop-ups have made my favorite bars and restaurants seem like they’re clubs in Ibiza. It’s really a shame to see what this part of NY has turned into, especially Montauk.”

Some brands have leaned into this model, flying influencers to the Hamptons like many do for distant locales. Hotel Lobby Candle, known for its tomato-scented candles, collaborated with Wheels Up, a private plane operation, and flew a group of influencers to the Hamptons. Both brands’ online posts featured a pillow on the plane that read “my candle flies private.”

See Your Birds in Style with This Smart Feeder That Takes Selfies

Understanding What Attracts Birds to Feeders

Living in the woods of Northern Ontario, Canada, my wife and I get to enjoy lots of natural beauty, including many woodland creatures who occasionally visit our cabin site. Some of our favorite visitors are the birds who love to perch on our bird feeders regularly. “What attracts birds to feeders, generally, is the type of food you have available, as well as the type of feeder it is,” explains Maria Kincaid, an ornithology research specialist for a smart bird feeder manufacturer.

The color of your feeder isn’t that important for something like a seed feeder, while it is very important for a hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds have evolved with flowers, and while they’re attracted to flowers of many colors, they’ve evolved with red flowers. This is why many hummingbird feeders are red.

The trouble is, most birds attracted to our standard feeders are too skittish to let us get close-up view in order to snap decent photos with our smartphones. My wife’s been trying for years and has discouragingly few good bird pictures to show for it. She did eventually convince a particularly brave chickadee to land in her seed-filled hand for a few moments last year, but this took months of coaxing.

Luckily for us and other bird lovers around the world, there’s an easier way — the smart bird feeder.

What Is a Smart Bird Feeder?

A smart bird feeder is a bird feeder with a camera built in that sends images and also sometimes videos of birds that visit your feeder to your phone via an app, Kincaid explains. Essentially, smart feeders make it much easier to enjoy birds without scaring them off and captures some stunning visuals of your feathered friends in the process.

“I love that I can see all the different species of birds that are coming to my FeatherSnap feeders without having to watch it constantly,” Kincaid says. “Sometimes, especially during the spring migration, there are birds that stop by just for a few hours, and when they stop at my feeder, I’ve got a record of it.”

There are many different smart bird feeders on the market that boast unique features. One example is the Bird Buddy Feeder, an elegant, modern-looking 9×6-inch bird feeder which we tested out. The feeder itself is weatherproof, sturdy, and well-built. It has a protective roof and transparent walls on two sides, making it super easy for birds to spot the tasty seeds within. The Bird Buddy holds just under 4 cups of feed and has an openable rear door to make refilling simple.

Speaking of seeds, the way you should select how to fill a smart bird feeder is no different than your standard feeder. “The type of seed that you use in your feeder will attract different birds, so look into the favorite foods of what you’re hoping to attract,” Kincaid says. “One of my favorite features of the FeatherSnap Seed Feeder is that it’s got dual feeder bins, allowing me to put in two different types of bird seed, and increase the types of birds I’m attracting to my feeder.”

How Do Smart Bird Feeders Work?

The rechargeable camera built into a smart bird feeder works with a custom app that alerts homeowners when birds are at their feeder. It uses your home’s Wi-Fi connection to stream closeup photos and videos to your mobile device. Once your mobile device receives and processes images of your latest feathered visitors, most smart bird feeder apps now use AI to identify each bird photographed by species.

Feathersnap feeders boast this type of AI functionality and take things a step further to help new bird watchers increase their knowledge. “You can use AI or the manual bird identification to ID the birds coming to your feeder, and learn more about them via the Bird Book, which includes seed preferences, the ranges they’re found in, and fun facts about each species,” Kincaid says.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Smart Bird Feeder

Excited to get your own smart feeder? We don’t blame you. Here are some pro tips for making the switch from a standard bird feeder to smart bird feeder:

• Be patient. “First, it’s important to note that it may take some time for the birds in your yard to find your feeder and deem it safe, especially if you don’t have any other bird feeders available,” Kincaid says. Give your bird friends time to find your new feeder and don’t get discouraged if it takes a week or two.
• Keep your feeder clean. Whether it’s a smart feeder or not, it’s important to keep your bird feeder cleaned and maintained regularly for the safety of the birds and to avoid the spread of disease, Kincaid says.
• Occasionally move feeder locations. “I find that moving feeders, even from one side of the yard to the other, changes the types of birds that visit regularly,” Kincaid says. “I’ve also found that even with all my knowledge and practice, sometimes the birds just don’t like the location I’ve chosen for the feeder.”
• Make the most of your photos. “I’m definitely a bird nerd, so I like to use the photos I save to keep track of the spring and fall migration in my area, as the birds that come through my yard at that time are different from what I see during the summer and winter,” Kincaid says. “I can also see what kinds of birds are attracted to my yard which I use to influence my landscaping decisions.”

Kincaid has also seen many FeatherSnap users share the images and videos they’re collecting with friends and family. “I particularly enjoy seeing the memes and edits people make of the images and videos collected from their smart feeders,” Kincaid says. “What you can do with the collection of images you’re gathering is limited only by your imagination!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do smart feeders deter squirrels or pests?
Not necessarily. While there may be aspects of a smart feeder meant to deter squirrels and other feeder pests, like having movable perches or squirrel sirens, the best way to keep pests off any feeder is to consider where you’re placing it, Kincaid says. “Squirrels are incredibly agile little critters, and can jump long distances and climb like you wouldn’t believe,” she says. “There’s a rule called the ‘5-7-9 rule’ for deterring squirrels from feeders, which means placing the feeder at least five feet off the ground, seven feet away from trees or fences squirrels could jump from, and nine feet away from overhanging branches or other structures.”

Can I view the feeder remotely?
Absolutely! “Smart feeders, like the FeatherSnap, connect to a dedicated app on your phone or other device via your WiFi, and send HD images and videos of the activity at your feeder,” Kincaid says. Some smart bird feeders also allow for a live view, which lets you log into your feeder’s camera to see what’s going on in real-time, she adds.

About the Expert

Maria Kincaid is the in-house Ornithology Research Specialist for a smart bird feeder manufacturer. She studied Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Louisiana State University.