When should I put out oriole feeders in California?

Around late February, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (the second week of March).

When should I take down oriole feeders in California?

Around early October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (mid September).

Where do these dates come from?

They come from the share of complete checklists in California that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.

Feeder timing · California

When to Put Out (and Take Down) Oriole Feeders in California

In California, put oriole feeders out around late February and take them down around early October. The first arrivals typically show up in the second week of March and most are gone by mid September.

Put feeders outFeb 22-28

First arrivalsMar 8-14

Last seenSep 15-21

Take feeders downOct 1-7

Rule used: feeders go out two weeks before the typical first-arrival week and come down two weeks after the last week birds are still reported. First arrival is the first week reports reach 10% of the species' usual in-season rate; last seen is the last such week. A few early or late birds can fall outside.

By species

Species	Pattern	First arrivals	Peak	Most gone by	Feeder up	Feeder down
Hooded Oriole	Summer visitor	Mar 8-14	May 1-7	Aug 22-31	Feb 22-28	Oct 1-7
Bullock's Oriole	Summer visitor	Mar 15-21	May 1-7	Jul 8-14	Mar 1-7	Sep 15-21

Oriole feeders: orange halves, grape jelly or dilute nectar in a feeder with larger perches; replace jelly and fruit before it spoils.

Common questions

When should I put out oriole feeders in California?: Around late February, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (the second week of March).
When should I take down oriole feeders in California?: Around early October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (mid September).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in California that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.