[TN-Bird] several Baltimore orioles at hummingbird feeders and suet feeders in Chester County

Carol Reese
Ornamental Horticulture Specialist -Western District
University of Tennessee Extension Service
605 Airways Blvd.
Jackson TN 38301
731 425 4767 email  jreese5@xxxxxxx

I had at least four today at my hummingbird feeders - Baltimores, in
brilliant plumage. I raced to town and bought oranges. Once home, I cut
them in halves and stuck them in several places in the yard. Before I had
even gone back inside, three of the birds swooped in to one of the small
trees where I'd put an orange, but to my surprise, began to scuffle over
the suet in a screen feeder in that tree. It is a fruit and nut mixed suet.
One bird took over and ate there for several minutes. One of the other
birds discovered the orange in short order and I was so gratified to see
him enjoying it for several minutes. The other bird sat by hopefully, and
another landed in  a tree top nearby and watched. Neither of them took
notice of the oranges in other sites. I put out two more suet cakes in
other spots, but had to go water plants, and though I looked for them again
just before sunset, I didn't see them again. Hope they are still here
tomorrow.

I wonder if they are short of natural food sources because of the freeze. I
know they utilize the blooms of tulip poplar, and since those trees were so
devastated, the orioles might be more open to other options. Is it common
for them to eat suet? It's my first time to see this...

This is on Island Road in Chester County.

cr

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