Saturday, August 2, 2014

Orchard Orioles- Temporary Guests

For a few weeks, an Orchard Oriole couple took up residence in a large tree in the back yard. This was the second couple to nest in our yard this season.  I observed the female as she gathered nesting materials and repeatedly made round trips to and from the tree. Unfortunately, the nest was too high for me to capture images of their eggs or offspring.  As a matter of fact. it was tough to capture images of the parent orioles too.  If I tried to get in closer, they darted away.  I watched for fledglings to come within the range of my lens but didn't see any, ever.  

Orchard Oriole, Female and her nest
Orchard Oriole, Adult Male

The inset within the photo above right is an adult male Orchard Oriole (not my photo).  He is a beautiful bird, dressed in black and crimson.  The adult female has bright yellow-green plumage which makes it easy to distinguish the sexes.  A first year male (see image below) also has yellow plumage- with a black face mask. 

Orchard Oriole, First Summer Male

Perhaps next summer I'll capture better, closer images of these beautiful, but elusive birds.  I wrote about their song in my May 13th post here.  The Orchard Oriole's song is among my favorites.



10 comments:

  1. They are beautiful birds, shame the nest was too high for you to get pictures of the juveniles, but how marvelous to have nesting Orriole's in your garden, and you have some great shots of them here.
    Enjoy your Sunday.

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    1. It's been a joy to have them, even for a short while :)

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  2. I have to say I do like birds that come and go - they mark the turning of the seasons.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. I agree, Stewart. I'm looking forward to the return of the goldfinches this fall, how I've missed them!

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  3. You are so lucky to have them nest in your yard!!!!!...:)JP

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  4. Getting bird shots isn't easy. That's for sure. You've had some pretty visitors. Nice.

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  5. Alas, that is one bird that I never seem to have been around.

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  6. how awesome! i've never seen them in person!

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