Attracting Orioles

Baltimore Orioles are a striking sight to behold! The vivid orange of the males, makes them easy to distinguish from other birds. But how do you go about attracting Orioles to your yard?

My fascination, love, of Baltimore Orioles started decades ago when I read Baltimore Orioles a Science I CAN READ book when I was six! I had children of my own, before I saw a Baltimore Oriole in person! To say I was excited was an understatement! So now I knew we had Orioles in our area, but how to attract them to our property was the key.

Bird Feeders?

We already had bird feeders that we filled regularly. We used standard bird food that attracts typical song birds, but that didn’t seem to bring them to our property. Yes, they make bird feeders specifically for Orioles, but in the heat it is very easy for the “nectar” to spoil and be detrimental to the birds. Making sure I clean a “nectar” feeder several times a week, isn’t something I have time for. Nor would I remember to clean them out every day or so! Therefor, nectar feeders are not an option for us. I would rather have healthy Orioles that I don’t see, than be responsible for harming even one.

Toss the Oranges!

We always seem to have a few oranges at the bottom of the bag, that go bad before we get a change to eat them. I used to toss them out the window near our bird feeder. The oranges would lay on the g round until they were dry and hard, or I picked them up. Much to my dismay, no wildlife enjoyed those oranges. I tried this several times!

The Home Run of Attracting Orioles!

During COVID, when we all had extra time, I was inspired to not just toss, but cut up our oranges into round slices. I used the orange slices to fill up a typical suet feeder. The birds, loved it!!! Specifically, the Orioles loved it!

I started buying inexpensive oranges, just for the Orioles. We have several suet feeds and I filled each of them and hung them in various places around our property. I used orange slices, and added other fruit that was overripe. You can find suet feeders here: suet cake feeders

In addition to hanging the fruit-filled suet feeders in our main bird feeder area (not pictured), I also hung them in places where we weren’t able to see them. These feeders helped draw the oriels to our property. I hung them on the woods side of our property, knowing the oriels spend a lot of time in the woods. I placed them in trees with good coverage from foliage and blooms that provide a big of safety and security.

Note: Oriels and a few other birds also like grape jelly. However, this should be served in moderation. It is high in sugar and lacks the protein and nutrients oriels need to maintain their health. Think of grape jelly as a dessert, not a main course for the birds.

You can find typical oriel feeders here: orange oriel feeders and shepherd hooks

Yearly habits

With the great success we had in 2020, I started putting orange filled suet feeders out every spring. In Indiana orioles peak migration to our area is Mid-April through Mid-May. It’s ideal to have your oriel food out at least 1-2 weeks before you expect them in your area. As they finish their long migration, oriels need high-energy foods. If they find food when they need it, they are likely to stay.

I always hang at least two orange filled suet feeders in our main bird feeding area, once I see orioles at it, I add more feeders around our property. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years. One year I when I was a bit late, Mr. Oriole was in the tree above the feeders asking me where their food was! I was delighted! I quickly put some oranges out for him and all the other orioles. Within ten minutes of hanging out orange filled suet feeders, we had an oriole as a guest!

An Oriole Nest!

One afternoon, when I was mowing, I noticed an oriole flying out a tree nearby. On my return pass I saw it! An Oriole nest, on our property!!!! Oh my goodness! Thanks to that long ago I can read book, I new exactly what to look for and I was so thankful they chose one of our trees to create a home in.

On the left is an actual nest from our property! Oriels build their nests high up towards the top of trees, making them tricky to spot. Below are more examples of the bag like nests oriels build.

We didn’t mow near that tree for quite a while. I wanted to make sure they felt safe, in hopes they would return the next year!

They did! The returned the following year to build a nest, near the first one, but in a different tree on our property! I was blessed to see an oriel fly into the nest and feed her young! Oh my word!!! How exciting!!!

Unexpected Bonuses

Through this we’ve learned, not only do orioles like fresh fruit, but other wonderful birds do also! Thankfully, blackbirds and grackles do not! We’ve frequently seen woodpeckers on our fruit feeders. I’m not sure if they are eating the fruit, or the ants off the fruit. Regardless, they are enjoying the feeders and we are enjoying them! A friend recently told me she had her first cardinal at her feeder in two years, after using this fresh fruit method!

Check out more of my posts here: Simply Living by Simply Julie Co blog

To learn more about Orioles and their migration habits to your area check out:

Baltimore Orioles

Audubon Guide: Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Oriole Migration Map

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