Baltimore Orioles are back and in abundance! Named because their colors are similar to those on the coat of arms of famous politician Lord Baltimore. Another cool fact is that Baltimore Orioles build unique, sock-like hanging nests.

Even More Yardbirds

Another Indigo Bunting made an appearance in my yard and at my feeder.



My Oriole has mastered the art of drinking from the hummingbird feeder.



I have read that orioles will kill hummingbirds in their territory, so I am a little bothered by this. I already have an oriole feeder with orange halves, but he also likes this sugar feeder. Any thoughts on this subject?

More Backyard Birds

Another first to my backyard this year is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. I was thrilled when I first caught a glimpse of him on my platform feeder. My camera was in my car, so I waited for it to leave to go retrieve it and bring it in. When I got back, and waited a few more minutes, I got another gift of 2 male grosbeaks at that feeder. I grabbed the camera, cracked open the sliding glass door, and they were gone. After a little while longer, they were back with their ladyfriend, but I couldn't get that shot either. What I did get, was a photo of 1 of the Grosbeaks at my feeder near my kitchen window. This was taken thru the glass.



I was so thrilled with the last shot, who'd a thunk I would get a grosbeak and an oriole at the same time? My luck was on...



I have been putting out fresh orange halves daily, because they pluck it completely clean by the end of the day.



The female is a bit more timid, but I managed a few shots.



The Grosbeak couple came back to feed, and luckily I was able to sneek out the door for some crappy shots.




She landed on a tree and made a weird face...



And finally, something is interested in my suet feeder. I don't know why, but I don't have luck with suet, although Mr. Red Belly seems to like it.

Oriole Umbrella

The "orioles" of the Americas were named after similarly-appearing birds in the Old World. The American orioles are not closely related to the true orioles in the family Oriolidae. They are more closely related to blackbirds and meadowlarks. Both New and Old world orioles are brightly colored with red, yellow, and black; have long tails and long pointed bills. They build hanging, woven nests called sock nests, and prefer tall trees around open areas.

Baltimore Orioles have found their way back to my neck of the woods, and even my own back yard. For 4 years straight, I have had a pair build a sock nest in my cottonwood tree. I put out orange halves for them to eat as well as nut and berry seed mixes. The photo above is from Channahon Park.

Baltimore Oriole Hitting the Juice!

How to attract an Oriole to your yard: (Male) Orioles migrate to Illinois in late April looking for nesting sites to attract females. They are looking for good places to eat for their site, as well as nesting material that is readily available. I happen to live in an area where Cottonwoods are everywhere (I have 3 in my yard) which produce a "cottony" pod for which they gather for nesting. I also put out oranges for eating, because they love fruit and large seeds. I have had success every year for attracting these gorgeous birds. They build a "sock" for their nest, which is softer textured than most stick nests.