When to put out oriole feeders in Iowa

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 — early September. Orchard Orioles start south as early as July, and adult males of every species leave ahead of the young. Keep feeders up until late september 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.