Baltimore Oriole Nectar Mix

Just as with Hummingbirds and other song birds migrating at this time of year, many areas are seeing the arrival of the somewhat elusive Baltimore Oriole.  Despite the male Baltimore Oriole’s bright and very vivid orange breast, rump, and shoulder patch, often spotting the Baltimore Oriole is best accomplished by navigating to the spot where you can detect its beautiful, clear and flute-like song with a “throaty” tone.

You can help to assure that you will see the spectacular Baltimore Oriole by being prepared to offer the most appropriate and appreciated nectar mixture and keep these gorgeous birds returning for much of their visit in your area.  The types and varieties of Baltimore Oriole feeders are very abundant.  But regardless of the feeder that you use, as with your Hummingbird visitors, purchasing nectar for Baltimore Orioles is also not necessary.  Providing a home made, nutritious nectar mixture is the way to go.  We recommend the following…

1. Mix 1 part sugar with 6 parts water.

2. Boil water first. Then measure and add sugar at the rate of 1/3 cup of sugar to 2 cups of water.

3. Always be sure to cool nectar mix to room temperature before filling your feeder (s).  Extra nectar may be stored in your refrigerator nearly indefinitely until you are ready to refill your feeders.

4. PLEASE…orange coloring should not be added.

As with your Hummingbird nectar, most Baltimore Oriole store bought nectar is usually colored.  Again, please do not add any type of food coloring, honey (which ferments) or artificial sweetener to your homemade Oriole recipe.  The appearance of your feeder and the aroma of the sugar nectar solution will do the work to attract Baltimore Orioles.

Also keep in mind that many types of Oriole feeders provide trays/cups and/or spikes to provide fruits, such as oranges, and jellies which are extremely attractive and additionally nutritious for Orioles.   Even attaching an orange half to a tree has been known to be effective.

Please remember, you will need to clean your feeders and replace the nectar often, more regularly in very hot temperatures. At a minimum, wash with mild soap (an antibacterial dish soap is ideal) and hot water. A minimal (10%) bleach solution to inhibit mold is helpful also. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before refilling.

ENJOY these gorgeous birds and keep your binoculars or spotting scope handy!

Support Staff – the Outdoor Nature Resource.com

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