We love seeing the first Orioles visit, with their bright black and orange plumage. Today we saw a flash of orange and shortly had two males flying back and forth between the feeders (on which Mrs. F.G. had squeezed some oranges halves) and the trees. Later we saw a female too.
The first views were of two males sitting in our still-bare Sugar Maples.
Soon though, they were at the feeders, dipping into the oranges.
In our opinion this is the most strikingly coloured migratory bird in the garden.
Then a female landed on the feeder right outside the window. It stubbornly sat looking the opposite direction until I had wasted about 20 shots and finally lifted its head long enough for a picture.
The return of the Baltimore Orioles is one of the delightful highlights of spring.
By the way, if you're wondering about the moniker 'Baltimore', it comes from the colours of the coat of arms of the Baltimore family in England. In the mid-1600s Lord Baltimore was trying to arrange settlement plans for what is now the state of Maryland. The city of Baltimore was also named after him.
Love the orioles! We have said goodbye to nearly all of our colorful winter visitors and are settling into the rainy season.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds …
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs …
All the best Jan
That is wonderful! They are such beautiful birds and their song is lovely to hear. I haven't seen any here yet.
ReplyDeleteStunning colouring, orange on an orange, they must so enjoy that tasty snack. Love the feeder with those curved arms, perfect for a bird to land and eat safely.
ReplyDeleteTHey sure are pretty birds.
ReplyDeleteYou did it, great photos and I thank you. Oranges were a big draw indeed.
ReplyDeleteJoy
We have Baltimore Orioles visiting us, but local friends have also had Orchard Orioles. I hope it soon warms up for them, for the serious business of nesting and raising young is about to begin,
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful creatures!
ReplyDeleteColorful, colorful birds. They've been drinking from our hummingbird feeders, but your orange halves are what they really like.
ReplyDeleteThey are so pretty! Even the more sedate female is beautiful. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous birds with me. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat Bird Pictures. They always seem to give us the cold shoulder as well.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Çok güzeller.:)
ReplyDeleteYay, the Orioles are beautiful. Lucky you! Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteI agree that between the orioles and the goldfinches, they are the bright joys of spring. This is the most I've seen of either variety and will keep the oranges available. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, they are the most strikingly colorful birds to arrive each year. Pretty hard to beat bright orange set against jet black. Beautiful birds indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see the orioles!
ReplyDeleteThey are sure enough to brighten up a day! I had not thought about where Baltimore comes from, but am glad you gave the answer anyway.
ReplyDeleteWe are just getting bluejays for color. Doves give us their coos. Good capture of the orioles.
ReplyDeleteYay! Yes, they have arrived in our yard too.
ReplyDelete