It took me about five of her trips to catch this female Orchard Oriole pausing outside her nest. I had first seen her dart up to the branch and then poof, she was gone. I watched this clump of Spanish Moss for awhile and saw it moving like someone was in it and finally saw a head peak out. The opening of the nest faces the limb with leaves.
Fortunately for me she was a creature of habit and flew the same pattern from the nest to a swampy area to gather grass and back, singing both ways alerting me to be ready.
On one of her trips she stopped for a look around before continuting on her way.
Great shots! Didn’t realize Orioles came so far south. Just read they are in N. Forida.
Thanks! I wasn’t aware of them until this spring, either. I saw a male, which is much more distinctive, a month or so ago, in this same area.
Wow! Stunning viewing, Ellen! Lovely plumage on this bird.
Thanks, Pete! She is a real beauty, I’ll be watching this spot and hope to see the male, too.
How exciting to catch her at her nest. All such beautiful photos Ellen!
I was thrilled to see where she went and figure out what she was up to! Thanks, Belinda!
Really lovely Ellen! Reminds me of our native bellbird which also sings a lot. Our bellbird looks a lot more ‘bossy’ though !!
I just looked the bellbird up, found a very nice site, New Zealand Birds Online. They sure are similar, and the Bellbird does look a bit bossy from the pics. We went back this afternoon and was disappointed not to see any activity at the nest.
(Edited–sorry, fat fingers the first time!)
New Zealand Birds Online? Its an excellent reference. Bellbird http://www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/bellbird
Yes, sorry I am trying to eat and type at the same time, bad idea. I edit my previous reply.
Bellbird is VERY bossy and always fussing about or zooming around like a pocket rocket.When they have young, they seem to have a regular singing school. Sounds hilarious, like being in church when not many people know a hymn but gamely struggle along not always hitting the right notes! But then along comes the bigger and faster tui and bellbird has to flee at rocket speed because tui is even more bossy! Interesting also in that the tui is a songbird as well!
Always a bossy one somewhere in the crowd. The grackles here make noise like that, hard to call it singing, but you always know where they are.
Beautiful pictures.
Thank you, Greta!
They have a gorgeous nest, how great to find it and capture the female as well. Good spot to visit again!
I was amazed to see the dainty little grass pieces she was taking in, and it was a lot of work. I did go back the next afternoon and didn’t see her. Yes, I’ll keep an eye out!