When storms loom on the horizon, some individuals may find themselves outside, offering encouragement to their plants. The thought of receiving signals of distress from flora—like Bob the fig tree exclaiming, “I need assistance!”—might feel unusual. Nevertheless, a new initiative at CES has taken this idea to the next level. Bird Buddy has unveiled Petal, an innovative AI-powered camera designed to enhance your interaction with the natural world.

Petal is a solar-powered device that can be attached to raised beds or planters, inserted directly into the soil, or even wrapped around tree branches. It operates effectively as long as it receives sunlight and has a Wi-Fi connection. Similar to Bird Buddy’s popular bird-watching cameras, Petal captures stunning high-definition video and photographs of the birds, insects, and plants that inhabit your outdoor spaces. The integrated AI technology can discern various activities taking place outside, from flowers blooming to birds hatching, or even when tomatoes are ripe for harvest.

This new addition allows users to enjoy numerous features without needing a subscription; however, subscribing unlocks additional benefits, such as the ability to name individual birds, insects, and plants in your garden. Whether this concept seems endearing or a bit eccentric, there is an undeniable excitement about what this summer might bring.

Bird Buddy envisions Petal being used in multiple locations within your yard, encouraging users to purchase several units. This innovative camera will come equipped with interchangeable lenses; choose a wide-angle lens or switch to macro for those intricate close-ups. You can set it to capture time-lapse imagery and receive alerts when your prized artichoke attracts visiting bees or is impacted by weather changes.

Although Petal was announced today, it is set for an official launch on Kickstarter this summer alongside another product, WonderBlocks. This modular planter system includes options like mason bee hotels, bug hotels, and self-watering containers. Furthermore, Bird Buddy is set to offer planting blocks infused with native plants and pollinators suited to your local area. The integration of these products suggests a strategic shift, broadening Bird Buddy’s focus to encompass a more holistic approach to nature observation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the environment beyond just birdwatching. Details regarding pricing for Petal and WonderBlocks have yet to be disclosed.