When to put out oriole feeders in Illinois

Have jelly, orange halves, and nectar out by April 15 — about two weeks before the first birds typically arrive (late April to early May). Orioles decide on a yard within days of arriving; a feeder that's already waiting often earns a resident pair for the season.

Earlier than most people expect — mid-September. Orchard Orioles start south as early as July, and adult males of every species leave ahead of the young. Keep feeders up until early october for the stragglers, and remember: a feeder never delays migration, which is triggered by day length.

They didn't leave — they changed jobs. While raising nestlings, orioles switch almost entirely to insects for protein and largely ignore jelly and nectar. Keep a modest amount available, and expect a noisy second rush in July when the fledged families return to sweet foods before migration.

Three things work: grape jelly in a small open dish (a spoonful at a time — it should be a treat, not a meal), fresh orange halves on a spike or rail, and sugar-water nectar mixed 6 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — weaker than hummingbird mix. Skip anything dyed, and pull jelly in high heat when it gets sticky enough to foul feathers.