Female Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper

Orchard Oriole Parents

In the three weeks since I photographed an Orchard Oriole working on her nest I’ve passed by the tree several times and seen no activity. On Sunday a male was sitting on branches about 30 feet from the nest.

Male Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper
Male Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper

After carefully watching the area he zipped into the nest with the grasshopper. You can just see one wing and a tail hanging out the entrance.

Male Orchard Oriole Going into Nest
Male Orchard Oriole Going into Nest

The nest was swinging back and forth in a light breeze and the male made a quick exit.

Orchard Oriole Nest
Orchard Oriole Nest

My question, was the male feeding his mate while she sat on eggs or chicks, was soon answered when the female appeared with another grasshopper.

Female Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper
Female Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper

The female was coming in at a different angle and had to pause to get into the nest.

Female Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper
Female Orchard Oriole with Grasshopper

After delivering the snack she came out with a fecal sac and disappeared into the woods.

Female Orchard Oriole Removing Fecal Sac
Female Orchard Oriole Removing Fecal Sac

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