Why Choose Blink Outdoor Cameras?

After extensive research and testing, Blink Outdoor Cameras stand out as one of the most optimal compact, truly wire-free camera products for this purpose. They can run for months on commonly available (non-rechargeable) AA lithium batteries, and they fit almost anywhere. These cameras are weather-resistant and have a native close focus of around 6 inches, ideal for small critter houses and nest boxes.

Can I Use Other Small Cameras with CritterCam enclosure or CritterView nestbox?

Yes, if they fit into the enclosure, however the CritterCam enclosure and CritterView birdhouse are optimized for and tested with Blink Outdoor generation 3 and 4 cameras.

What are the advantages of CritterCam Enclosure and CritterView nest box over Bird-Feeder Cams?

The CritterCam enclosure and CritterView birdhouse are designed to offer an unparalleled level of wildlife observation. Unlike bird-feeder cams, these products allow you to see the intimate activities inside a live small bird (or other wildlife nest box), such as eggs hatching, chicks being fed, or squirrel pups snuggling with mom.

My CritterCam products are designed to bring you a new level of accessibility to wildlife observation, previously reserved for researchers and scientists. If you have an extra Blink Outdoor camera in your Blink network, you can set it up within an hour and start observing your new "tenants" as soon as they discover and become comfortable with it. The CritterCam Enclosure is versatile and cost-effective, while CritterView combines a properly sized and constructed bird nest box with a built-in camera enclosure.

That's great, but can't I just buy an inexpensive "spy cam" and install it into a birdhouse myself?

Sure, an inexpensive "spy camera" is an option. However, many of these products need to be connected to a plug-in power source and often lack features like motion detection, recording triggers, smart phone access, automated video clip recording and they usually require real-time monitoring. 

I have tried several of these myself. This experience frustrated me and is mainly what inspired me to develop CritterCam and CritterView. After trying to manage multiple wires, devices, video signal issues, and countless hours of observation, I wanted to share this streamlined experience. This led to the creation of these products which I hand-prepare to order. 

In my opinion, the Blink system, especially with an inexpensive subscription, offers the best combination of quality, convenience, ease of use, and cost for urban and backyard wildlife enthusiasts. With Blink, from anywhere in the world, you can watch a chickadee build her nest, an oak titmouse couple "argue" over nestling feeding, or baby squirrels snuggle and squirm with mom.

If I set up a wireless camera-enabled nest box in my yard, when will I get  to the see critters?

The answer to this question depends on several factors. Among them are:

• What kind/size of nest box you have

• When you put up the nest box

• How your nest box is placed (location, direction, height)

• The time it takes for local critters to be comfortable with the "new" house you installed.

My personal experience is that it can be a few weeks, a few months if the next box is up well before Spring, or in some cases a few hours (this is true!). I have a n Oak Titmouse female who raises at least one brood every year like clockwork, investigates several of my small nest boxes for weeks, until she finally settles on one and then starts to "measure for drapes" in early spring. In mid March 2025, I had put another Blink-enabled nest box up and less than 3 hours later, a local titmouse was already checking it out.

Do you personally use these products?

Yes. As of 2025, I have half a dozen or so Blink Outdoor cameras set up in various birdhouses, inside a large squirrel box, and in high wildlife-traffic areas around my property. I live in the mountains of California, so there is activity year-round. Managing them is a breeze with just one smartphone app—no computer needed. I can download clips to my phone, save and share them, and gain fascinating insights into wildlife behavior. It's especially intriguing when you start noticing different personalities among members of the same species. Wild critters have personalities, believe it or not!