Friday, May 11, 2012

Right on schedule!

My all-time favorite birds are back! I've always loved baltimore orioles, I guess because they're so bright and pretty, and as a kid I'd get only a rare glimpse of their beauty, so they were extra-special. They're kind of hard to spot when they're in the trees, because they love to be way up at the top. Since I've been putting an oriole feeder out, filling it with grape jelly, they're not such a rare sight for me anymore. In fact, I see them often, and I love it! I'll never get tired of seeing them. Or taking pictures of them... so be forewarned.

Last year I heard the first oriole on May 11th. I put out the feeder right away and had the lovely birds within five minutes! This year I decided to put it out earlier, since it's been such a crazy spring weather-wise and so many things seem to be ahead of schedule. I actually heard orioles several times since then, but none appeared at the feeder. Not the right ones, I guess. I just told myself that the 11th would be the day.

And it is!!  Here's what I saw first thing this morning!



Not the best photos, but ya get the picture (pun intended). And I see that it's time to wash my windows again, too. That'll help photo quality a lot. :)

8 comments:

annie dee said...

Great pics! Grape jelly!?!? Do you also have peanut butter in another feeder for the squirrels? :-)

Grandma G said...

Of course! Well... no, not really. :) The squirrels help themselves out of the nearby cornfields. But orioles really do love grape jelly! (And so does Courtney.)

Anonymous said...

How did you figure out they like grape jelly? Why not strawberry? I also think this is the first time I have been "mooned" by an oriole eating grape jelly in a picture. Seriously awesome pictures as always Mark

Grandma G said...

How does anyone figure out anything nowadays, Mark? The Internet, of course! I think they like other kinds of jellies, too, but grape seems to be their favorite. I think it was recommended in my feeder instructions, too. They also like orange slices, and some feeders use sugar-water like for hummingbirds.

Yep, consider yourself mooned! And be glad it was only a bird! ;)

Anonymous said...

Mooned by a bird! Very funny and a great picture. Just look at those tiny legs!

Happy Mother's Day!
Gwen

Grandma G said...

Thanks, Gwen! Happy Mother's Day back to you! I hope those handsome boys treat you extra-specially today!

Auntie Kris said...

My Orioles are enjoying grape jelly, too. Had to order a feeder just like yours!

Grandma G said...

Yay, Kris! I love that feeder... so easy to fill and clean. Enjoy the beautiful orioles!