When should I put out oriole feeders in Montana?

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

When should I take down oriole feeders in Montana?

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

Feeder timing · Montana

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

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

Put feeders outApr 15-21

First arrivalsMay 1-7

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	Pattern	First arrivals	Peak	Most gone by	Feeder up	Feeder down
Bullock's Oriole	Summer visitor	May 1-7	May 22-31	Jul 22-31	Apr 15-21	Sep 8-14
Baltimore Oriole	Passes through	May 15-21	Jun 1-7	Jun 8-14	May 1-7	Jun 22-30
Orchard Oriole	Passes through	May 15-21	Jun 1-7	Jul 15-21	May 1-7	Aug 1-7

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 Montana?: Around mid April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (early May).
When should I take down oriole feeders in Montana?: 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 Montana that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.