By Valerie Macon
Lauren Marmor, a lifelong photographer, began her birding adventure during the COVID pandemic. Seeking an engaging pastime during those lockdown days, she strategically placed bird feeders and water baths in her backyard giving her convenient access to observe these feathered wonders. It was during this time that Lauren’s fascination with birds took flight, fueling her passionate journey into bird photography.
I recently talked to Lauren about all things birds. I asked her about the birds we can expect in our yards in Fuquay-Varina and surrounding areas, and how to attract them to our feeders.
She tells me the variety depends on the season. As fall approaches, numerous birds migrate south to escape the cold weather. When spring arrives, they return to our region, using it as their breeding grounds. During migration periods, you’ll have the chance to observe birds that typically reside in South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Keep an eye out, she advises, especially during nighttime migrations.
Hummingbirds, for example, migrate during the night. Here, we primarily get the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Males are easiest to spot by their bright colors. They depart early for their migration, which means a swarm of male hummingbirds at your feeder is a good indication of the first wave of migration. They may start arriving here in late March or early April and stay in this area until October.
You can attract hummingbirds by planting perennials or nectar flowers, like the butterfly bush. They are particularly attracted to red and yellow colors. Also, you could put out a hummingbird feeder. The more feeders you set up around your property, the more hummingbirds you’re likely to have visit. To make your own solution, use one part sugar to four parts hot water to dissolve the sugar. There is no need to add dye to the water, just clear water, as the red or yellow of the feeder itself attracts them.
The best way to attract other birds is to set out feeders. You could buy prepared bird seed found in most big box stores. A general mixed bird seed will attract a variety of birds in this area like the Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, House Wren, and Carolina Wren. You could also set out your own food such as peanuts, berries, or fruit. Goldfinches love oranges.
Suet is an excellent high-energy food source for backyard birds typically made up of a mix of animal fats combined with seeds and other ingredients. Lauren puts out suet all year long, attracting mostly woodpeckers. There are several species of woodpeckers we see around here. The most common are the Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, and the Red-Shouldered Woodpecker. It is particularly effective to put out suet in the winter when food is not readily available.
How can we learn about birds? How can we identify them? Lauren suggests an app for your phone called Merlin Bird ID that will identify birds either by sound or photo. Using this free app, you simply record a bird’s song or snap a photo, and Merlin will quickly identify the species. The app has many other features. For example, when I selected “Explore Birds,” it listed 111 bird species likely to be in Fuquay-Varina today. It’s like having a bird expert in your pocket.
Lauren recommends another effective way to learn is to go birding with friends. When she was new to birding, she had a network of friends who were more advanced than she was, and she learned from them. She suggests, “It’s always good to go out with as many others as possible because you have more eyes to see and ears to hear the birds. Plus, it’s more fun.” If you don’t have anyone to go with, there are several Facebook groups that you could join to network with other bird enthusiasts. For example, Birds of North and South Carolina, Bird Watching North Carolina, Backyard Birding and Feeders, and many more groups.
Community centers and parks and recreation departments often have beginner birding classes. Wake Audubon has a bird walk at Hilltop Needmore Town Park & Preserve the fourth Saturday of most months and frequent bird outings at Bass Lake and Sugg Farm.
Yet another way to connect with other bird watchers is to join one of the many photography clubs in the area. Lauren is a member of several clubs in the Raleigh area. Recently, her captivating photo “Fiery-throated Hummingbird with a Bee” earned her first place in the Capital City Camera Club’s picture of the month competition. She also scored a victory in the Brown Bird Feeders contest, winning a bird feeder for herself. In addition, she secured first place with a captivating shot taken at Jordan Dam of an osprey gripping a fish in its talons, the fish itself, with a hook in its mouth. Lauren encourages bird enthusiasts to explore online contests.
She is also active in the Granpaparazzi Camera Club, which is open to everyone who enjoys photography regardless of skill level. Lauren says, “This club hosts events all the time, and the people are friendly and welcoming. It’s for all photographers, but there are a lot of photographers there who specifically like birding, and we enjoy going out together.” This club meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Cary Senior Center at 1:30 p.m. and also meets informally for photo shoots at local venues.
I ask, “What about birdwatchers who do not have high-end cameras?” Lauren recommends that many beginners start with their cell phone cameras. Some of the newer phone models capture excellent photos, including clear close-ups (macros). As interest grows, you can upgrade to a dedicated camera for even better results. However, a bulky, sophisticated camera may not always be on hand; then a lightweight cell phone is the practical choice.
Lauren has come a long way since the COVID days of watching birds in her yard. “You can only see a certain number of species in your backyard,” she says. So, she broadened her viewing area to include neighboring places and different habitats like Jordan Lake Dam, Yates Mill County Park, and various North Carolina state parks. Then she went a little further: Kenya, Tanzania, Ecuador, and most recently Costa Rica (which has 894 species of birds).
She explains that many people visit Costa Rica to catch a glimpse of the world’s most beautiful bird: the Resplendent Quetzal. There, she captured a photo of this striking bird with its shimmering plumage of metallic blues, greens and reds, and golden-green crest feathers.
She relates that during breeding season, the males grow elongated tail feathers that form a flowing train up to three feet long. While they nest in cavities of trees, the length of their tail poses a challenge. Both parents take turns incubating, but when the male enters the cavity, his feathers experience tension at the base of the tail and consequently the entire tail falls off. It does eventually grow back. As is often the case with birds, the male is the most colorful.
What could be more alluring than the breathtaking beauty of a colorful bird or more enchanting than the joyous song of a bird? The universal wonder that birds inspire is available to all, no camera necessary.
