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Orioles love apple blossoms - and the bugs inside!

By JIM NIGRO

Before gusting winds shook loose the last of the apple blossoms, we were able to get a few good pics of the orioles that always show up to dine on the insects that call the small white flowers home.

Whether or not they've already paired up, both the male and female partake of the feast.

This male really has his head into his work!

The apple blossoms and the insects inside provide a great opportunity to get oriole pics. Once the blossoms fall to the ground, the orioles don't return to the apple tree. But they do nest in the woodlots to either side of our home and despite the foliage there is no mistaking the orioles delightful sound.

Doug Yeomans

Nice pics, Jim! I too love the Orioles song..so distinct and pleasant to the ear. The Orioles have been hitting the feeders at my place, too. One of these days I need to set up bluebird houses along the woods edge in my lawn.

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The poor Finches had to endure snow in April!

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Had a Rose Breasted Grosbeak at the feeder last year.

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May 17, 2012, 10:32am Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Thanks, Doug - we've been fortunate in recent years with the orioles, bluebirds and other songbirds showing up with regularity and as you said, the goldfinches were on hand early this year. Last week I was part of a group that made a three day canoe-camping trip along the Genesee River. Wherever we pitched our tents along the river bottom the rose-breasted grosbeaks were on hand, singing non-stop till sundown. We also saw bald eagles, beaver, deer, mergansers, numerous geese, etc. - hope to share the trip highlights with readers in the coming week.

May 17, 2012, 1:02pm Permalink
Mardell Lamb

Beautiful photos, Jim & Doug. Is there a websight that I can hear the birds? I recognize the Bluejays, Robins, Mourning Doves...would love to learn more. I have a lot of wooded area around my house & hear many birds. Had feeders for awhile, but got really expensive. It was always a joy to watch them, though. :)

May 17, 2012, 4:55pm Permalink

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