The Baltimore orioles have arrived in droves! If you don't already have your sliced oranges out, it is definitely worth a trip to the grocery store. You can place them in a specially made oriole feeder, or skewer them on a nail pounded into an existing fly-thru feeder or fence post.
As if their magnificent color was not enough, their beautiful song makes these birds one of my seasonal favorites. As with most species of birds, the males are more vivid orange than the female. But what she lacks in appearance, she more than makes up with her construction skills. The female oriole builds what is arguably one of the most interesting of nests. Created from plant fibers, the "hanging" nest is built in deciduous trees in woodland areas and is often high up in the branches.
The oriole's diet consists of insects, fruit and flower nectar. In addition to sliced oranges, they can also be lured in by nectar feeders, as well as feeders with small dishes of grape jelly. As with hummingbird feeders, make sure that you keep them clean and fresh, especially if you are offering grape jelly. Stale, liquefied jelly can quickly ferment, and you don't want "drunk" birds flying around your yard. Be aware that once the baby orioles are born, they will switch their diet to insects. If you want to continue to bring them in, you can swap mealworms for the grape jelly.
Orioles will return to the same nesting grounds, but will build a new nest each year.
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