ALT Blue Marble Library Blog Post via @masslibsystem! Birdbuddy in the Library by Nori Morganstein, Director of Nahant Public Library

ALT What is a Birdbuddy? It’s a smart birdfeeder that can photograph, video, identify, and give information about the birds that visit and eat at the feeder. Whenever a bird stops by, you get notified on your phone or whatever device you set the app up on. The Birdbuddy we purchased with the funds from the grant also has a solar roof, so it requires limited maintenance and charging. Picture of a morning dove

ALT The brief facts that the BirdBuddy app shares about each bird seems almost meant for libraries too. For instance, I recently learned from the Birdbuddy app that Common Starlings “were brought to New York in the 1890s by Eugene Schieffelin and his friends, who released hundreds of birds in an attempt to introduce all the species mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.” Picture of a starling

ALT I just recently installed a monitor in the front area of the library that is running a video on loop of the photos, and some videos of the birds who have come by so far. I plan on adding to it as we get more birds. There is a livestream option as well. Technology and programming ideas are endless. Patrons of all ages like seeing the photos of the birds, and I know the Birdbuddy will bring plenty of future intergenerational programs to the library. Picture of a Grackle