Orioles are beautiful birds that visit many backyards in the spring and summer months. Setting up an oriole feeder and offering sweet treats is a great way to attract them. However, as the weather cools in the fall, orioles will migrate south for the winter. This leaves many backyard birders wondering when is the right time to take oriole feeders down.
When do orioles migrate?
Orioles are neotropical migratory birds, meaning they fly south to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean for the winter months where food is more plentiful. Different species of orioles have slightly different migration patterns:
- Baltimore orioles and Bullock’s orioles leave their breeding range throughout the eastern and central United States and Canada in September and October.
- Orchard orioles leave a bit earlier, migrating south as early as July.
- Scott’s orioles in the southwest U.S. migrate south between August and October.
The exact timing of migration depends on a few factors:
- Weather – Colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours trigger migration instincts.
- Food availability – Scarcer natural food sources drive migration.
- Age and sex – Younger birds tend to migrate a bit earlier than mature birds. Males tend to migrate before females.
Watching the orioles in your yard is the best indication of when migration is happening. As long as orioles are showing up for the food you put out, they likely haven’t migrated yet.
Signs orioles have migrated
Here are some signs the orioles have left your area:
- You stop seeing them at your feeders
- Males and young birds disappear first
- A prolonged stretch of cooler temperatures
When to take down oriole feeders
Most experts recommend taking down your oriole feeders in late September or October. Here are some general guidelines for when to remove oriole feeders:
- Take down fruit feeders by late September
- Remove nectar feeders by mid-October
- In northern climates, take down all feeders by late October
- In southern areas, leave feeders up until early November
Use these dates as a guideline only. The most important indicator is watching the orioles themselves. As soon as you stop seeing themusing your yard and feeders, it’s safe to remove the feeders for the season.
Reasons to take down oriole feeders
Here are a few reasons why experts recommend taking down your oriole feeders in the fall:
- Prevent fermented nectar – Nectar can ferment quickly in cool weather, which is unhealthy for orioles and other birds.
- Prevent harming overwintering birds – Some birds like woodpeckers may use feeders in winter and food dyed for orioles could be harmful.
- Discourage other pests – Leaving feeders and rotting fruit up can attract wasps, yellow jackets, and other pests.
Taking down feeders once orioles have migrated avoids these potential issues.
Steps for taking down oriole feeders
Follow these steps when taking down your oriole feeders for the season:
- Wash feeders and dishes well with soap and water – This prevents mold growth during storage.
- Discard old, fermented nectar and any unused fruit.
- Dry all items completely before storing to prevent mildew.
- Store feeders and dishes in a protected area like a shed or garage.
- Make sure feeders are completely dry before storing them sealed in a bin or bag.
When to put up oriole feeders in spring
Orioles return to their breeding grounds each spring as the weather warms up. Here are some tips for when to put feeders back up in spring:
- In most regions, set up oriole feeders in early to mid-April.
- In southern areas, wait until late March or early April.
- In northern areas, set up feeders in early May.
- Plan for feeders to be up when early migrating males arrive before females.
The earliest migrating orioles arrive about two weeks after the first hummingbirds appear. Paying attention to hummingbird activity is a good indicator for when to put out oriole food.
Tips for spring oriole feeding
Here are some tips for attracting orioles with your feeders in spring:
- Set up fruit and nectar feeders before orioles arrive.
- Use fresh nectar and replace it frequently.
- Offer oranges, apples, and other fresh fruits.
- Use grape jelly to initially attract them.
- Try mealworms for a high protein treat.
- Have feeders ready early – males scout sites before females arrive.
Conclusion
Watching for the arrival and departure of orioles in your yard can help determine the best times to put up and take down feeders. As a general guideline, have feeders ready in April and take them down by late September or October. But let the activity of the orioles themselves guide you. With some attention to their behavior, you can provide a feeding oasis for orioles during spring and fall migration.
