How Do I Take a Still Photo?

Quick Answer

Open the live stream view for your camera in the BirdSnap app and tap the camera/snapshot icon in the on-screen controls. The photo is captured instantly and saved to your phone's photo gallery. This is the only way to take still photos — the camera does not automatically capture photos when triggered by motion.

Step-by-Step: Taking a Still Photo

Step 1 — Open the BirdSnap app and tap your camera to open the live view.

Step 2 — Wait for a bird to visit — or open the live view anytime you want to capture what the camera is currently seeing.

Step 3 — Tap the camera icon (snapshot button) in the live view control bar at the bottom or side of the screen.

Step 4 — The screen will flash briefly to confirm the capture. The photo is saved immediately to your phone's photo gallery.

Tips for Getting Good Shots

• Tap at the right moment. Because it captures a live frame, timing matters — tap when the bird is at the feeder, not as it is flying in or out.
• Use a strong WiFi connection. A higher quality live stream (2K vs. SD) produces a sharper still photo. The live stream resolution depends on your current signal strength.
• Clean the lens. Water spots or dust on the camera lens will appear in still photos just as they do in video. Wipe the lens with a soft microfiber cloth before a session if you are planning to capture photos for sharing.

Currently Not Available: Automatic Photo Mode

The BirdSnap camera records video when motion is detected — it does not automatically capture still photos in response to a bird visiting. The snapshot feature is manual and only accessible during a live stream. BirdSnap has noted this as a feature to consider for future updates.

When to Contact Support

If the snapshot button is not visible in your live view, or if tapping it does not save anything to your gallery, check BirdSnap's storage permissions on your phone first (Settings → Apps → BirdSnap → Permissions → Storage). If the issue persists, contact support.

• Email: support@birdsnap.com
• Phone: +1 573-514-4826
• Live chat: Available at BirdSnap.com
• In-app chat: Tap the chat icon in the BirdSnap app
• Facebook Messenger: Message us via our official Facebook page

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time.