By Sally Siko

Pleased to see that the pair of Baltimore Orioles are still visiting the feeder! They’d shown up this past December and haven’t left. I’m hoping they’ll just choose to stay here in Lillington NC and perhaps build a nest somewhere in the yard.
We will see 🙂

As shown here, male Baltimore Orioles are known for their vibrant orange and black plumage, which resembles the colors of the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore, hence their name.
They are also are renowned for their melodious and flute-like songs, which they use to attract mates and defend their territories. Their songs are often heard echoing through woodlands during the breeding season which begins in early May.

These birds are masters of nest construction, often weaving intricate hanging nests from plant fibers, grasses, and other materials. Their nests are commonly found hanging from the outer tips of tree branches anywhere from 30ft to 80ft up in the canopy.
While they are commonly associated with the northeastern United States, Baltimore Orioles can be found across much of North America during the breeding season, ranging from the eastern and central parts of the continent to parts of the southwestern United States and even into Canada.

Baltimore Orioles typically begin their southward migration from North Carolina in late summer or early fall.
Some (like this guy here) end up spending the winter in the Tarheel State.
Depending on various factors such as weather conditions and food availability, their migration can start as early as August and extend through September. By October, most Baltimore Orioles will have departed from North Carolina on their journey to their wintering grounds in Central and South America.
That’s a good thing because this means you’ve got plenty of time to see one before the year is through!

Photo by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5