Humming birds arrival?

[brittsnbirds]

Had an Oriole the other day on the HB feeder.  My sweety bought a Oriole feeder so I put it out with the HB's that we have.  He hasn't been back.  Any suggestions about drawing the Orioles back?  First year that I know of that I have had Orioles.

[Old plug]

Yeah I know about woodpeckers and Oriales. But somemale is going to take over that feeder. He will then perch himself nearby and raise the dickens with any other hummer that goes near it. It is really a futal attempt since they lead him away and get to the feeder anyway. That goes on all summer. Then  later they share pretty well. They are a tuff little bird.

Below is a picture of one of our ant feeder protectors. I can make one in about 10 minutes. IT is nothing more than a turn buckel and a cheap plastic cup. You bore a hole in the center of the cup put sealer on both sides and put the washers in the sealer on both sides then tighen it down and put your water in there they will last for many years. 

[Johnsfolly]

We have been successful in getting orioles by putting out a pint mason jar and grape jelly. I put a wire around the jar at the base of the threads to use as a hanger. I do screw on the metal ring and cover that with plastic orange flagging material. I put out a little jelly at first until we confirm they are feeding and then increase the amount throughout the year. Where I hang this feeder, I worry more about raccoons than ants. The ants don't eat enough of the jelly or affect the orioles from feeding. I do have to pour out rain water and refill the container. I personally don't like grape jelly so that is what I use the most often to fill the feeder. The first couple of years we were likely just getting transients to feed. Last year we had a pair that nested somewhere near our house. We had adults feeding young in our trees.

I like to get this feeder out before the leaves come out for the orioles to see it easier as they pass over. I haven't put it out yet this year. Normally I hang it on the shepard's hook that I hang my thistle feeder for the finches. This year we have goldfinches still using the thistle and I haven't found a new spot for the oriole feeder.

It looks like we have a pair of Mississippi kites residing in our neighborhood. We were watching the pair calling to each other and interacting on Sunday. My wife has heard their calls for the last week of so. When you have as large a chicken flock as we have, you are always vigilant about raptors in your neighborhood.