When Should You Put Out Oriole Feeders in Illinois?
Every spring I start watching the trees and checking the migration maps, waiting for that bright flash of orange that means the Baltimore Orioles are back.
If you want to attract orioles to your yard, the timing for putting out your feeder makes all the difference.
Here in northern Illinois, I like to put my oriole feeders out in early April, even though we sometimes doen’t see the birds until late April or the first week of May. Having the feeders ready early gives migrating birds a space to stop and once orioles find your yard, they will return year after year.
The first year I ever put out an oriole feeder, a bird showed up within about twenty minutes. Ever since then, putting out oranges and grape jelly has become one of my favorite signs that spring has arrived.
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What Month Should You Put Out Oriole Feeders?
In Illinois and most of the midwest, the best time to put out oriole feeders is early to mid-April.
Baltimore Orioles usually arrive in northern Illinois between late April and early May, but having your feeders out early helps attract birds as they migrate north.
If your feeder is ready when they pass through, they are much more likely to stop and keep coming back.
When Orioles Arrive in Illinois
Baltimore Orioles spend the winter in war climates lke Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. Each spring they migrate north across the United States and into Canada to breed.
Here in Illinois, sightings usually start appearing in mid-April, gradually moving north.
I like to check migration maps each year to see how close they’re getting. It’s always exciting to watch the sightings slowly move up toward us.
Even if you don’t see them right away, putting feeders out early gives you the best chance of attracting them.
Signs Orioles Are Returning Soon
If you enjoy seasonal rhythms like I do, you’ll start noticing a few clues that the orioles are on their way.
Common signs include:
- Warmer overnight temperatures
- Robins and other migrating birds returning
- Trees beginning to leaf out
- Migration sightings moving north
When these start happening, it’s time to get your feeder ready.
What to Put in an Oriole Feeder
Orioles love sweet foods and bright colors
Some of their favorite treats include:
- Orange halves
- Grape jelly
- Oriole nectar
- Dark fruits and berries
My feeder has two pegs for orange halves and a small cup for jelly, which they seem to go straight for every time.
The orange slices also attract other birds, including hummingbirds so don’t be surprised if you have a variety of birds flocking to your feeder.
Where to Hang an Oriole Feeder
Orioles prefer open spaces near tall trees and water sources.
Our home sits along the banks of a rivers, which seems to make our yard a natural stopping point for migrating birds. But even if you don’t live near water, you can still attact them.
Helpful additions include:
- a shallow bird bath
- a small fountain
- fresh water nearby
I like to hang our feeder somewhere we can easily see it, close to the pation or deck. Watching them arrive never gets old.
Why Orioles Return Every Year
One of my favorite things about orioles is how loyal they seem to be.
Once they discover a reliable food source, they return each spring. I’m convienced that is the same birds or their off-spring that come back to visit again and again.
Their bright colors and sweet, musical chirping make them one of the highlights of the season in our backyard
Orioles and Backyard Birdwatching
Because we live along the water, we’re lucky to see an incredible variety of birds throughout the year.
Some of the birds that visit our yard and river include:
- Cardinals
- Hummingbirds
- Robins
- Egrets
- Swans
- Ducks
- Blue Jays
- Purple Martins
- Herons
- Sandhill cranes
- American Pelicans
- Geese
Other Orioles You Might See
There are more than 30 speicies or orioles, but the most common one in Illinois is the Baltimore Oriole.
Occasionally you might also see:
- Orchard Orioles
- Bullock’s Orioles
The males are the bright orange birds most, people recognize, while femails are softer gray with touches of orange. They may be more subtle, but they’re just as interesting to watch.
Don’t Forget the Hummingbirds
Early spring is also a great time to put out your hummingbird feeders. You can buy nectar or make your own simple mixture: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
That’s usually all it takes to welcome these tiny fluttering visitors back for the season. I personally don’t put out a hummingbird feeder. They show up each year to grab the nectar from my flowers.
When to Take Down an Oriole Feeder
Orioles typically begin heading south again in late summer.
It’s helpful to leave your feeder out until late summer or early fall to make sure migrating birds still have access to food.
Once you’re sure they’ve moved on, you can clean and store your feeder until next spring.
Final Thoughts
Putting out an oriole feeder is one of the easierst ways to welcome spring back into your yard.
Set it out in early April, keep it stocked with oranges and grape jelly, and chances are good you’ll have bright orange visitors before long.
And when you hear that sweet chirping in the tress again, you’ll know spring has officially arrived.
Peace and Love,
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Meet Me
My name is Lynn. I live in the suburbs of Chicago in a 1,300 sq. ft. home with my Handy husband, Keith.
I’m an open book about my life on my blog. You can find out more about me by visiting my “About Me” page.
Wow, that is so amazing, I have never read about Orioles, and they are so beautiful!
Hi Wendy – I heard about them from a friend and immediately bought a feeder and put out my oranges and grape jelly. The fact that they stopped by in about 30 minutes was simply amazing. I’ve been hooked ever since and they know to come back to our property. I put my feeder out on Thursday and I haven’t seen on yet but it might be a little early. For sure by next week, I will have my orange beauties back. What is interesting is that I stopped putting out my hummingbird feeder because I wasn’t getting any and now I’m also getting hummingbirds at the oriole feeder but they won’t stop by until it gets warmer. Thanks for taking the time to read my little blog!
I’ve never seen an oriel but I love watching birds. I have a bird feeder outside my kitchen window and am thrilled to see cardinals on it every day. Have a great night.
Hi Elizabeth – I hadn’t ever seen one either until I started putting out my feeder some years ago. They are just so beautiful and don’t seem to be the least bit bothered by us moving around the yard!
I love Orioles too! They stop here briefly in May…I always hear them singing in the woods behind my house and run out to put the oranges in the feeder..
Hi Jennifer –
I actually am still waiting to see one this year. I’ve had my feeder out for a while and no Orioles! The other birds are enjoying it so I’ve had to put new food out a couple of times. Once our’s come they stay for most of the summer. I totally forgot about their singing! Another great reason to love them.
We have quite a few bird feeders but we have never tried to attract the Orioles! We need to get busy! They are such a pretty bird.
They are one of my favorites and they come back year after year. I put the bird feeder out Friday and really didn’t pay an attention to it. I filled it again yesterday and within 20 minutes, they were back.
Wow. This information is so interesting and useful. I will use grape jelly to attractive my birds. Thanks a lot.
My Orioles come back year after year and I’m just so happy when I see them.
Too much sugar can damage a hummingbirds liver and kidneys. The recommended mixture is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
John – Thank you so much for that information. I corrected what I have in my post.