We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
I saw a pair of them in my tall oak tree this morning, and I suspect that they are weaving one of their remarkable hanging nests in it again this year, as they did last year.
These exotically-colored Eastern songbirds are never common, but are regularly seen - but only if you look up into the tree-tops. One odd fact about these orioles is that they like to eat oranges. Some people put orange halves out to attract them.
Image: This male is a bit on the yellow side, more like a female. Most of the males we see in New England are more flame-orange. The Orchard Oriole seems unusual in New England and is smaller, darker, and tends to nest near water in the South and Midwest.
Baltimore Oriole - one of my favorites, especially the kind that plays baseball from from my long ago hometown.
We get (I believe) Bullock's Orioles and Bullock's Orioles in the vineyards and orchards here in Eastern Washington. Always a great thrill to see an Oriole. Beautiful birds - and the nests are hard to mistake.
I have never seen a Bullocks, although they are listed as "accidental" around here. I thought the Orchards were an Eastern bird?
Yes, the nests are remarkable - but they can be hard to see until the leaves fall.
I have at least three pairs coming to my feeders. This time of year they are hitting the grape jelly pretty hard and there's a run on Welch's as well as the discount brands at local grocery stores. They will also hang on the suet feeders. Had a pair of orchard orioles but I haven' seen them for a couple weeks.
I have at least three pairs coming to my feeders. This time of year they are hitting the grape jelly pretty hard and there's a run on Welch's as well as the discount brands at local grocery stores. They will also hang on the suet feeders. Had a pair of orchard orioles but I haven't seen them for a couple weeks.