Orioles can be identified by their bright orange plumage and black head. Almost as striking as their appearance is their cheerful call, a friendly whistle, that is a welcome sign of spring. Orioles feed on insects, making them a great addition to your garden. In addition, orioles have a sweet tooth and like sugary nectar and fruit. Placing fruit or a nectar bird feeder in your yard can help to attract one of these beauties.
Being migratory birds, orioles appear in early spring in North America. They fly south for the cold winter months. You best chance to attract an oriole to your yard is to be prepared with an oriole bird feeder as soon as they are due to appear in your area. Orioles feed from nectar feeders. Some of these feeders are specially designed to hold a piece of fruit, such as an apple slice or an orange. Hummingbirds are another variety that feeds from a nectar feeder, however they have a longer beak than orioles. The typical hummingbird feeder with the cone shaped flower guards will not cater to orioles. An oriole feeder will be bright orange to attract orioles, and feature flat feeding areas that orioles can reach into.
The nectar formula for orioles and hummingbirds is the same. In general, you dissolve one part sugar to four parts water for easy oriole or hummingbird nectar. In addition, orioles love sweets, and sugary grape jelly is another treat they can't resist. Nectar, fruit, and jelly will all attract orioles, but it also doesn't hurt to keep a few nectar producing flowers in the area as well. No matter which method of feeding you choose be prepared to keep your oriole bird feeder full. Orioles will quickly move to a new territory if the food supply is not readily available.
While you're busy trying to get an oriole or two to visit your yard, why not put up a few more bird feeders? Cardinals, blue birds, robins, hummingbirds, and others prefer different types of bird feeders and nutrition. Catering to a variety of birds will be sure to liven up the wildlife activity in your backyard. Bird watching is a fun hobby that can be enjoyed by all in every season. Welcome spring with the new sounds of migratory birds. Enjoy watching new hatchlings grow through the summer months. Or nourish little feathered friends in the winter months when food becomes scarce. Year round, a little research always pays off when attracting a specific bird, such as the oriole.
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