When should I put out oriole feeders in Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Massachusetts

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

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

Put feeders outApr 8-14

First arrivalsApr 22-30

Last seenSep 1-7

Take feeders downSep 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 22-30	May 15-21	Jul 1-7	Apr 8-14	Sep 15-21
Orchard Oriole	Summer visitor	Apr 22-30	May 15-21	Jul 8-14	Apr 8-14	Aug 8-14

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 Massachusetts?: 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 Massachusetts?: Around mid September, about two weeks after the last regular reports (early September).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Massachusetts that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.