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| One of the first Baltimore Orioles in my garden last year in early May. |
As I write this, the oriole feeder is up and I'm just about to set out the hummingbird feeders.
What an exciting time!
Last year, the first orioles appeared in my garden on May 6, and the first hummingbirds on May 7.
I know this because of date labels on my photos, and because I reported the sightings to the Journey North citizen science website on those dates. (Anyone can help track the migrations; you don't have to be a teacher, a naturalist, or a scientist.)
Do you think I'm too early with my preparations this year? I'd say "yes," except people elsewhere in northern states have sighted orioles. And hummingbirds have made their way to the Upper Midwest. Don't believe me? Check out the reports here, here, and here.
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| Indigo Bunting that showed up on the same day last year as the Orioles. |
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| Tawny Emperor butterfly on oriole feeder. |
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| One of last year's first hummingbirds. |
The oriole feeder I use is a versatile little tool for attracting, feeding, and observing not just orioles, but also butterflies, chickadees, hummingbirds, and other birds. I wasn't fast enough last year to photograph the hummingbirds checking out the feeder, so it will be a fun challenge for this year.
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| Handmade oriole/butterfly/hummingbird feeder. Just add oranges! (Oreo kitty not included.) |
Want to attract orioles, chickadees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to your garden? This type of feeder is one way to do it. To celebrate the new season of wildlife support and observation, I'm giving away an oriole feeder to a random commenter. This feeder was made by my father, a talented woodworker. (Thanks, Dad!) I'll draw a name on Friday, April 17. Simply leave a comment on this post, or on the PlantPostings Facebook page. (U.S. shipping only. Outside the U.S.: Send me an email if you'd like construction instructions.)
Good luck! And enjoy the unfolding season!
(I'm linking this post to Michelle's Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.)
