When should I put out oriole feeders in Kentucky?

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

When should I take down oriole feeders in Kentucky?

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 Kentucky that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.

Feeder timing · Kentucky

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

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

Put feeders outMar 22-31

First arrivalsApr 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
Baltimore Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 8-14	May 8-14	Sep 1-7	Mar 22-31	Oct 1-7
Orchard Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 8-14	May 8-14	Jul 8-14	Mar 22-31	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 Kentucky?: Around late March, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (the second week of April).
When should I take down oriole feeders in Kentucky?: 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 Kentucky that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.