When should I put out oriole feeders in District of Columbia?

Around early April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (mid April).

When should I take down oriole feeders in District of Columbia?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · District of Columbia

When to Put Out (and Take Down) Oriole Feeders in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, put oriole feeders out around early April and take them down around mid October. The first arrivals typically show up in mid April and most are gone by early October.

Put feeders outApr 1-7

First arrivalsApr 15-21

Last seenOct 1-7

Take feeders downOct 15-21

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
Baltimore Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 15-21	May 8-14	Sep 8-14	Apr 1-7	Oct 15-21
Orchard Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 15-21	Jun 1-7	Jul 8-14	Apr 1-7	Aug 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 District of Columbia?: Around early April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (mid April).
When should I take down oriole feeders in District of Columbia?: Around mid October, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early October).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in District of Columbia that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.