During the month of May, we will be preparing nectar feeders for Baltimore Orioles and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Although there is still a chance of cold and snow, it would be brief. Spring flowers will begin blooming, trees are starting to leaf and the first shovel full of earth is being turned in the garden.
Last year there were Baltimore Orioles nesting nearby. We could hear them singing every morning, but could not figure out where they were. Occassionally the pair would visit our nectar feeder and we even had a single visit by a male Orchard Oriole. This year, we will place several more feeders throughout the yard in hopes of attracting a nesting pair.
One of our favorite spots to see Orioles is Capisic Park in Portland. Owned by the city of Portland, it’s an 18-acre nature preserve on the banks of stream fed Capisic Pond, Portland ‘s largest freshwater pond. The park is open space with many flowering trees. Orchard and Baltimore Orioles nest here regularly. During spring Warbler migration, the park is included in our birding loop of Warbler fall out spots. It is our second stop after Evergreen Cemetary.
In my opinion, it is a sure sign of spring when the Orioles arrive. Summer is around the corner and the cold and gloomy days of winter are behind us. This photo was taken at Capisic Park in May of 2008.
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Baltimore Oriole (male) | Capisic Park, Portland, Maine May 2008
Happy birding!
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Great shot of a lovely bird, John. Hopefull we will see some of those a few days from now when we go to Orlando, FL.
Such a gorgeous picture. I cannot wait for them to return in early May. I have a Mullberry tree in my yard so they live in it from late May to early June. They adore the berries.
Hi John,
I hope doing this blog post warmed you up just thinking about summer…because i just looked at your live cam and your still freezing your butt off there..yikes
Hi John,
We are trying to attract orioles and hoped you could give us some advice. Is grape jelly the best? Are your feeders hung in trees?
Much thanks,
L&W
Oh, I might also need your recipe for country style ribs in a crock pot!
Lovely bird on a lovely backdrop. I wish we had as colorful birds this side of the world.
A truly beautiful photo of a beautiful bird!
I think your birds are hired models!
They always pose in the most perfect places for you. This shot was spectacular as always!
John, I never realized how challenging the Wood Ducks could be until I encountered one this weekend. They have really good hearing and vision! I am going to try and get down to where I know they live with some cammie netting and wait for them to go by and take mad pictures. I bet you could do the same with you blind!!
Gorgeous capture of the male Baltimore Oriole John! I am glad to hear it is warming up back there and Spring is on the way. It sounds like you should be getting some nesters this year. I wish you all the best luck.
I feel for you on the Wood Duck issue. They seem to be very skiddish and tough to get close to. I will keep trying though as I’m sure will you.
What a wonderful shot, it just screams spring. It makes me long for the warm weather to get here.
That’s an absolutely stunning shot, John! I love orioles — that glowing orange breast just can’t be beat. Great BPW post!
HI John,
This is a very nice picture of a bird I will probably never see around here. You picture is awesome, such detail and colors!! Wonderful!! I’m happy that you get the first sign of spring, I would like to see them here too!!!
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