Almost Gone...

The oriole season is coming to a close...this is one of the late fledglings. So happy that we get to enjoy their shenanigans for about 5 months.

Kids

 

There are two late-season oriole fledglings in the yard...usually the orioles have mostly migrated by the end of August; there are older juveniles, too, but not birds being fed by mom/dad. Two of them were in the very top of my neighbor's 50-foot-high paper bark tree. Mom appeared with a spider...and then the bird who had been fed--the other was up above--proceeded to harangue its parent, asking for more (as baby birds do!). The other baby flew down to the scene of the action, but alas, no insects for it.

Aerodynamic

 

Before and After

 

Floof Alert

 

Welcome Back

 

The hooded orioles have returned! Yay! 

Interloper

 

Above, a bird giving a leaf the stink-eye.

Trapeze Artists

 

The oriole gang was going nuts yesterday evening, chasing and clacking...and hanging upside down on the feeder. Their time here is drawing to a close; they will soon be migrating. 

Four Orioles Hop Into a Fountain...

 

We have a most excellent crop o' orioles this year!

So Beautiful, So Comical

Every year, the orioles do not disappoint. They are such elegant birds, but these young ones are quite hilarious: there are clearly at least two siblings who bicker and chase each other. This one is striking a few poses (and looking a bit goofy/awkward). I love them!

Tongue Out

 

This oriole is sticking its tongue out at you! (It is actually really enjoying its grape jelly!)

Welcome Back!

 

The hooded orioles have returned! 

Yellow Spikes

 

So cute and comical...

Meal Time

 

A story in four parts. 

1) A juvenile oriole lands on the fountain.

2) Mom appears with a green insect in her mouth.

3) The handoff.

4) Bye!

Up/Down

 

I am amazed at how different a bird's body shape looks depending upon how they are standing. These are the same bird! 

I also love how the beak of this juvenile oriole is just starting to turn dark... 

Diver

 Not the best photo, admittedly, but kinda cool that I caught this oriole just after he launched himself off the wire...

Model

 

He is the Zoolander of orioles!

Strike a Post

 

Welcome Back!

 

Looks who is back!!! Yay! I have not seen a female around, so perhaps she is on the nest? 

Cameo appearance by a little house finch.