When should I put out oriole feeders in Washington?

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

When should I take down oriole feeders in Washington?

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

Where do these dates come from?

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

Feeder timing · Washington

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

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

Put feeders outApr 15-21

First arrivalsMay 1-7

Last seenAug 8-14

Take feeders downAug 22-31

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 8-14	Apr 15-21	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 Washington?: Around mid April, about two weeks before the first orioles typically arrive (early May).
When should I take down oriole feeders in Washington?: Around late August, about two weeks after the last regular reports (the second week of August).
Where do these dates come from?: They come from the share of complete checklists in Washington that report each species, week by week, 2016-2025, not from anecdotal first sightings.