I was a rookie birder, a few springs ago, pretty raw actually. Didn't really know which way to go.
The idea was to eyeball some of the Baltimore gang in my backyard. You know. The kind that fly. I wanted to keep tabs on them. That's my job see.
Then I caught a lucky break. Some guy told me they were attracted to orange slices and grape jelly. Go figure. I tried it. The oranges that is. Would you believe it , no sooner than I went into the house for my morning joe, and came back out on the deck, there they were. Ten minutes flat. Over the next few days several more of the gang showed up. I thought I had them cold. Wrong! Just like that they all went on the lam. Maybe north of the border?
I'm not one to give up a case easily but and still not a sign. Lily, Mrs. T. and I needed a break and I figured if anyone could sniff out the suspects Lily could. A hike in the country seemed like a good idea. We headed off....
From the pond we headed up a trail into the woods. Soon the path was lined by some huge cottonwoods. When I looked up to see how tall they were... that's when I noticed them. The Baltimore gangs hideout. I counted at least ten scattering in all directions. I thought I heard one squeek "we're busted."
Well that's the story folks. They call it the Goethite Wildlife Management Area. Coulda fooled me. I can see these Baltimores, being from a big city, as being used to wildlife. But being managed? Not a chance. I know I couldn't control them.
btw - On the way back to the big city I caught sight of a related gang member - an Orchard Oriole. But that's another story.
The idea was to eyeball some of the Baltimore gang in my backyard. You know. The kind that fly. I wanted to keep tabs on them. That's my job see.
Then I caught a lucky break. Some guy told me they were attracted to orange slices and grape jelly. Go figure. I tried it. The oranges that is. Would you believe it , no sooner than I went into the house for my morning joe, and came back out on the deck, there they were. Ten minutes flat. Over the next few days several more of the gang showed up. I thought I had them cold. Wrong! Just like that they all went on the lam. Maybe north of the border?
Well, the next spring I was determined to try again. Maybe add some grape jelly. I thought at first they had sent a scout ahead. One of the gang showed up in the middle of a spring snowstorm right outside my window . And again disappeared.
A week latter another colorful visitor showed up. No luck there either. It turned out to be a member of the summer tanager gang. They come from down south someplace. They were clean. I waited and waited. Nothing. Funny thing though. The oranges kept disappearing. And the Baltimores were nowhere to be seen. I finally set up an early morning surveillance. Turned out to be squirrels. No respect for law and order, I guess.
A week latter another colorful visitor showed up. No luck there either. It turned out to be a member of the summer tanager gang. They come from down south someplace. They were clean. I waited and waited. Nothing. Funny thing though. The oranges kept disappearing. And the Baltimores were nowhere to be seen. I finally set up an early morning surveillance. Turned out to be squirrels. No respect for law and order, I guess.
I'm not one to give up a case easily but and still not a sign. Lily, Mrs. T. and I needed a break and I figured if anyone could sniff out the suspects Lily could. A hike in the country seemed like a good idea. We headed off....
From the pond we headed up a trail into the woods. Soon the path was lined by some huge cottonwoods. When I looked up to see how tall they were... that's when I noticed them. The Baltimore gangs hideout. I counted at least ten scattering in all directions. I thought I heard one squeek "we're busted."
Well that's the story folks. They call it the Goethite Wildlife Management Area. Coulda fooled me. I can see these Baltimores, being from a big city, as being used to wildlife. But being managed? Not a chance. I know I couldn't control them.
btw - On the way back to the big city I caught sight of a related gang member - an Orchard Oriole. But that's another story.
we see baltimores rarely here, but they're wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun! I guess the squirrels thought their prayers had been answered. Glad you found out where the orioles hang out. :-)
ReplyDeleteThose damn squirrels get everywhere! I've heard about feeding them grape jelly but not oranges. I wonder if other birds like oranges? It might be worth a try to find out.
ReplyDeleteI thought so. You were in on a caper or two before going on the lam with the teaching and coaching. I knew it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that. Subtle, not overdone. I'm glad you're on the level now.
Oh, those orioles! I have fed many jars of grape jelly to keep them where I can see them and enjoy that brilliant orange. So beautiful. I'm glad you found some to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLovely photographs. I am green with envy as I've tried everything to attract them during their migration. Even got a fancy oriole feeder that hold both oranges and grape jelly. Nada.
ReplyDeleteHa ha ..... liked that ... "No respect for law and order, I guess"
ReplyDeleteYou had me enthralled ...and I could empathize about the squirells taking the goods. I don't mind one, or possibly two, but I have 4 that raid everything I put out and then they are no longer cute ...they are rodents, after all !!
ReplyDeleteExactly the same thing happens here every year. One year they disappeared and I gave up. Later that winter an oriole nest blew down out of one of my big trees. They must have been here for quite some time and I never knew it. Good luck, hope you can keep some nesting near your house.
ReplyDeleteWe also get the orioles as temporary visitors, for just a week or two. I have spotty luck getting them to go to the oranges or grape jelly. I always wonder where they go next and what type of habitat they nest in.
ReplyDeleteNice account. They were playing games with you.
ReplyDeleteGood that you found some. Ours were here only a few days...but fun to hear and watch:)
ReplyDelete