Migrant Orioles not just for Baltimore anymore
May 27, 2001

The brilliant orange and black coloring of the Northern Orioles had been a common sight during the past few weeks of May.

Those who have kept their bird feeders supplied with orange halves have reported an unusual number of birds in the area.

These migrants, having spent the winter in Central America, leave their winter quarters in April, arriving here approximately the first or second week in May. This spring's varied weather encouraged the migrants to move northward only to meet inclement weather with adverse winds.

The migrants gratefully accepted human offerings of oranges and the sweetened water in humming bird feeders.

If the habitat is suitable, a pair may linger and build a nest in some tall maple or elm tree.

The nest of an oriole is a notable structure---a hanging, woven basket, usually placed on a slender twig high in a tree.

The process of building has been duly noted by discerning observers. A local resident recently watched an oriole build its nest from start to finish, and estimated that it took about five days to complete the pouch from the first strands to the completed nest.

In this manner she finishes one side of the nest. She then takes another twig for support and outlines the framework of the other side, and fills it in by weaving back and forth, resulting in a mass of looped and knotted fibers that has become a durable, strong structure.

Usually, four eggs are laid. The young hatch in about 14 days. They remain quietly in their snug basket for about two weeks.

Just before they leave the nest, they become very noisy. About June 21---July 4, in our area, their characteristically monotonous cries can be heard all over the neighborhood.

They follow the adults for about two weeks after leaving the nest. They are fed well on caterpillars and other insects. The orioles are valuable in the control of these creatures.

The vigorous, robust song of the oriole is familiar in the spring chorus. Although it is easily recognizable, it is said that no two songs are exactly alike. The average song is about eight notes long. The variation occurs in the pitch and timing of the intervals. A resident bird can soon be identified by its song.

Until early July, the male sings, but not as much as in the months of May and June.

It is not sometime in September that they leave the brushy, hidden areas to which they retired and return to civilization again, to say farewell with song.

The numerous migrant orioles, as well as the exceptional numbers of rose-breasted grosbeaks and indigo buntings, has made this spring's bird-watching memorable.