When should I put out oriole feeders in Illinois?

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

When should I take down oriole feeders in Illinois?

Around late September, about two weeks after the last regular reports (the second week of September).

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Illinois

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

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

Put feeders outApr 1-7

First arrivalsApr 15-21

Last seenSep 8-14

Take feeders downSep 22-30

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 15-21	Aug 22-31	Apr 1-7	Sep 22-30
Orchard Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	May 15-21	Jul 8-14	Apr 8-14	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 Illinois?: Around early April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (mid April).
When should I take down oriole feeders in Illinois?: Around late September, about two weeks after the last regular reports (the second week of September).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Illinois that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.