Baltimore oriole (male) at feeder |
He gives a long percussive chittering call when he arrives at the feeder, which helps me look up at the right time to see him; I've noticed that blue jays also often announce their arrival. I suppose it is a territorial/possessive statement ("MY feeder. MY grape jelly."), but I appreciate that he announces his presence since I never tire of seeing this beautiful bird, which is just with us for a few months each year.
The songs and calls of the Baltimore oriole are quite varied. You can hear several versions at the All About Birds site. I don't hear the percussive call I've described in any of these samples; it may be the "sharp, repetitive chuck" that is described as an alarm call in the text. None of these samples offers the song that's on my Audubon bird clock, either -- the one that sounds like "Figaro Figaro Figaro."
We offer both grape jelly and orange halves at this feeder but, although orioles are said to like oranges, the oranges are ignored while the jelly is gobbled down.
2 comments:
Very nice photos and account. Thanks for sharing.
They're a vagrant here - we've seen them the last two springs but no sign as yet.
Hope you are feeling better!
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