Oriole shows rose-breasted grosbeak she's the boss of the bird feeder

Orioles are among the most beautiful of the all birds in North America. Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts excitedly track their spring migration, eager to see the vividly coloured little creatures at their feeders. People count the days and share information about sightings with great anticipation. And finally, when these beautiful birds arrive, they are greeted with seeds and brightly coloured fruits in the hope of attracting them to the back yards.

This feeder provides oranges, grape jelly, and seeds of all varieties for the song birds that live in Ontario. Habitat loss along the migration corridors, as well as pesticide use, has decimated food supplies and bird populations, causing experts to tell us that helping the birds with food and habitat is essential to their survival.

A rose-breasted grosbeak has been pecking at the suet in this feeder but he would like to wash it down with a little orange juice. The problem is that there is a female oriole dominating the orange platform and she will not share. The little grosbeak makes an attempt to get in on the treat but she scolds him and sends him on his way. He patiently waits on the other side of the feeder and eventually gets his share.

A male oriole also frequents this feeder to get orange juice and pulp. He is the most brightly coloured bird in the neighbourhood. He has neon orange plumage with black accents that make him an extremely striking specimen. Within a few days, this feeder will see constant action as more than a dozen pairs of orioles fly in and out. Loyal to their feeding grounds, orioles will return to the same feeders year after year and they will also bring their young to the spots that offer their favourites.