Feeder timing · Colorado
When to Put Out (and Take Down) Oriole Feeders in Colorado
In Colorado, put oriole feeders out around the second week of April and take them down around the second week of September. The first arrivals typically show up in late April and most are gone by late August.
Put feeders outApr 8-14
First arrivalsApr 22-30
Last seenAug 22-31
Take feeders downSep 8-14
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 | First arrivals | Most gone by | Feeder up | Feeder down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullock's Oriole | Apr 22-30 | Jul 15-21 | Apr 8-14 | Sep 8-14 |
| Orchard Oriole | May 8-14 | Jul 8-14 | Apr 22-30 | Jul 22-31 |
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 Colorado?
- Around the second week of April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (late April).
- When should I take down oriole feeders in Colorado?
- Around the second week of September, about two weeks after the last regular reports (late August).
- Where do these dates come from?
- They come from the share of complete checklists in Colorado that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.