I have a bit of a problem. The Baltimore Orioles in the yard are basically taking over the hummingbird feeders. In the process, they knock them down, poop all over them and seem to keep hummers away from them.

I do have a separate Oriole feeder and grape jelly feeder in the yard just for them. While the Orioles do use those, they still seem to prefer the hummingbird feeders?!?! I was using a 6 to 1 mix of sugar water in their feeders, but now I think I will change it to 4 to 1 like the hummingbird feeders have in them. I'm hoping maybe this will make the oriole feeder as attractive as the hummingbird feeders.

This is all really odd because I only had a couple Orioles last year and they didn't stick around. I bought oranges and an Oriole feeder only to have them never use it. They also never touched the hummingbird feeders. I never saw them again after summer officially started.

I do like Orioles, so I don't want them to go away, but I would like some way of discouraging them from draining the hummingbirds feeders. Does anyone have any good suggestions?

Thanks!

Brian, The grass is always greener as they say.... Maybe your idea of changing the nectar mix might work...sounds like they have hummer tastes! LOL...good luck!

Carol
Milford, CT
Zone 6

Brian, I'll suggest having at least 1 feeder that doesn't have any perches. The Perky-Pet #216 http://www.thebirdshed.com/b2.html was well used at my place a couple of winters ago and it doesn't have a place orioles can get a foothold. This feeder is also bee resistant.

Orioles can be pests even though they are beautiful and a lot of fun. I make sure I keep at least 1 hummer feeder that they can use and at least 1 that they can't. They've never used oranges nor oriole feeders at my place though I've seen them use both elsewhere.

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Nancy L Newfield
Casa Colibrí
Metairie, Louisiana USA
USDA Zone 9

I don't know what kind of feeders your using Brian, but if they have a flower you can take off so they can get to the nectar they would be more inclined not to knock them off. I use the 6 to 1 ratio in the Oriole feeder, but they would much rather have a dish of grape jelly.

birdlegs
zone 5
S.E. Lower MI.

Brian,

I guess its a question of "Be careful what you wish for". I have always wanted to attract Orioles to my yard, but for some reason I don't, myabe its just as well.... Do you have the little $1 Walmart feeders? I'm pretty sure there is no way an Oriole could eat from that one???

Pam NJ 6B

I really enjoy the orioles but they can take over at times. I am currently hanging 14 feeders and everything is empty within 2-3 days. Most are 8oz but several are large. I hang a couple of Dr JBs feeders which they can't access. Feeders without perches is a good idea too. I am feeding them bananas this year which they like. I have never had any luck with them going to oranges. They can also be bullies at the finch feeders, they love that finch mix.

This little story just reminds me not to put anything out to attract orioles. Ive not seen one here doesnt mean they are not in the area. My hummers are already rebelling in the front yard because of the wild bird feeders they just dont like it, so during the 3months or so I have them there will be no seed feeders out. They will just have to go next door etc.

Steve
Martinsville, In
Heat zone 6
Sunset zone 35