diff --git a/frigate/data_processing/real_time/bird.py b/frigate/data_processing/real_time/bird.py
index ce4e50ef2..c97158695 100644
--- a/frigate/data_processing/real_time/bird.py
+++ b/frigate/data_processing/real_time/bird.py
@@ -97,6 +97,9 @@ class BirdRealTimeProcessor(RealTimeProcessorApi):
                 line = f.readline()
 
     def process_frame(self, obj_data, frame):
+        if not self.interpreter:
+            return
+
         if obj_data["label"] != "bird":
             return