They have become a little less
recently, I think some might have already begun to migrate, but I still have quite a lot of Orioles hanging around. At this point, it is mostly juveniles but I also see the occasional adult male and female strewn in. I was hoping to see the Orchard Oriole’s young ones or females too but time might be running out for that. Anyways, here is a good dose of sunshine to brighten your Friday.
The Orioles
have been extra busy at the feeders recently, and I am expecting to see their babies in the yard soon. I have already heard their gentle little calls in the trees yesterday. The Orchard Oriole is also still coming, and I am hoping that maybe this year, it might bring a young one to the feeder too. In the meantime, the adults are enjoying the amenities the yard has to offer and make the world prettier with their vibrant colors and songs. Come good into the week!
It is always great
to get a new wave of summer guests when the season comes to an end. Orioles are starting to be on the move, and some from farther north are passing through on their way to their winter quarters. This one came very early today, and it looks very unusual with this really intense vibrancy. It looks like it could be a young male, with some of the darker head and neck markings coming through too. I hope it sticks around for a bit, I also prepped a photo cam with jelly today.
More rain yesterday,
and more drenched birds. The Orioles have returned for very sporadic visits, and I think I might only have one pair this year. I also spotted a couple of Grosbeaks at the feeders yesterday, but also here, far from the numbers of previous years. It remains a sad season so far, but I am thankful to have at least some summer visitors. The good thing today is, the rain has finally stopped and the sun is out. However, it is rather windy and still cold. I am ready for some more summery weather. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend, everyone!
Video: Here comes the sun...
…and one of Bette Midler’s new favorite birds, and I say - it’s all right 🌞 The last couple of days I have been pacing the windows and watching the feeders like a hawk. The local birdwatching groups were full of Oriole sighting reports, and there were none in my yard. But I am happy to report that they are back! and such a pleasing sight. Now with the Grosbeak back as well, I am ready for those glorious first days of May where anything can happen bird-wise. Happy Sunday!
The Orioles
have started to leave, but as of today, there are still some coming. The jelly vanishes more slowly now, but I am still keeping a dish full out for them. These two are from the weekend. Fall migration is always a bit sad. The winter birds are fun too but they are nowhere near as vibrant as the summer crowd.
Sunday sunshine!
Baltimore activity is still quite high, even though this will soon change when the first ones start their fall migration. I always thought it was interesting to see their plumage variety, so here is a little gallery. I especially love the “Sunrise Tequila” one.
The Hummingbird feeder
is more popular than ever during this summer with so little Hummingbird action. They are here, they are even still nesting, so keep those feeders up and clean and make sure the nectar is fresh. Avoid the red stuff from the stores, you can easily make it yourself with one part sugar and four parts water (no chlorinated tap water). I also still have Orioles, but the males are becoming rarer. This one might be a migrant on his way south.
Fall migration
seems to have slowly begun, but there are still Orioles visiting, so keep those feeders clean and filled.
Some birds
are beginning to flock already but I still have lots and lots of Orioles. There are some males, but the majority are immatures. It always makes me extra happy to see how successful Orioles are at breeding. And that the youngsters are not camera shy at all.
The Orioles
are back in full force, with babies calling everywhere, and parents busily taking jelly from the feeder into the trees. This year, it is somewhat interesting in how many different shades and states they come. It feels like in the past, they were more homogenously colored. These, I think, are two females.
The Orioles have returned!
After they arrived in large numbers in May, they soon seemed to disappear. Many people wondered where they went and if they would return. And yes, they do. They weren’t gone, they have been busy raising babies. Now they are back, enjoying the amenities of the “Ostdrossel spa” with all you can eat buffet and a huge pool. Soon enough, they will bring the babies too. I am always fascinated by the variety of their looks.
Times are bleak at the feeders
because everybody is taking care of the babies, but keeping that jelly feeder out there and filled can be rewarding. The Catbird is still a regular, which is absolutely wonderful, and this speckled Oriole is a daily guest at the jelly trough as well.
A gallery of orange goodness.
The Orioles have been plentiful, and one of them had a particularly cool head.
Vitamin O for Global Big Day
The Baltimore Orioles have taken over the yard, despite snow and hail and frosty temperatures. I love how different they can look, and these photos show some of their variety. As far as I can tell, these are a female and a male, and the “leopard head” could either be a female or a young male. Are you participating in Global Big Day today?
The Baltimore Orioles
are so much fun to have around.
I have not seen the Orchard Oriole yet, but I hope it will show up this year too.
Video: Baltimore Oriole FOY!
I thought I heard one yesterday, and a bird migration forecast page said there was a huge movement coming, so I was excited for today. And nature did not disappoint - it felt like Christmas! First thing I saw out of the window was a Rosebreasted Grosbeak, and when I checked the Birdsy camera, I saw this beautiful guy :D I have not seen a Hummingbird yet, but they are usually all coming on the same day. Spring is here!
Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles (I get them here as well occasionally) love oranges and grape jelly. This is what I put out for them. The jelly dish should not be too large so they don’t get their feathers sticky.
