Baltimore Oriole ~ Icterus galbula
It's always a sign of fall approaching when we no longer hear the Orioles. Often boisterous and chatty in late summer, adults as well as curious young juveniles check our feeders for grape jelly or hummingbird nectar before their long migration.
What an amazing neotropical migration it is, travelling from Canada to Central and South America for the winter. The most amazing part is they return in the spring to our area within a 5 day window, the average date being May 5.
I do put out grape jelly for them in the early spring around their arrival for a few weeks, they then get busy building nests and rearing young near the end of May. Their diet is insects, feeding their young many types of caterpillars and other tasty invertebrates.
The lighter colored female Orioles look for long strands of plant material to weave their nests, often old perennial stems. If you cut down and remove all your plant material in the fall, you are not leaving any potential nesting material for the orioles.
She builds an unique pendant basket nest that hangs from a tree branch. The two nests I saw this year being constructed were both next to water, hanging about 15-20 feet off the ground.
An old basket or hammock nest found in late fall, the long strands of dried plant material expertly weaved to form a sturdy support for the eggs and young.
So until next year, I hope the Orioles have a hurricane free migration south and enjoy their winter in the tropics.
I always cut down my dried perennials in spring so they are there to provide food throughout the winter but I hadn't thought about the fact that they provide nesting material for birds in spring. I learned something new today!
ReplyDeleteIve only seen an oriole nest once, but it was thrilling! They're lovely birds, and the nests are incredible.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen an oriole or an oriole nest. Wonderful photos and information.
ReplyDeleteHi Marguerite,
ReplyDeleteI also leave plants standing for the winter. Now I'm going to leave some standing all year. The old stems are favorite perches for dragonflies too.
Heather
Hi Lisa and Robb,
ReplyDeleteI agree, their nests are so unique. There are also not many birds that are as brighly colored as Orioles.
Heather
Thanks Sheila,
ReplyDeleteI would recommend listening to a recording of their songs, because you'll probably hear them before you see them.
Heather
I remember as a little girl at my grandmother's in Wausau WI there were always orioles in the street side trees! I would say they were my favorite bird. I know a couple visit my yard now but for a short time and they are very shy. Then again so were the humming birds at first and now they are numerous and very bold. One can only hope. Beautiful photos and really enjoy the one of the nest!
ReplyDeleteHi VF,
ReplyDeleteI recommend putting out some grape jelly for them in the spring. The absolutely love it and it's entertaining to listen to their scolding and general chatter. I would think they would love your area near the river.
Heather