Mass Audubon Oriole Project
Welcome to Phase II
As veteran oriole watchers know, we have been collecting reports of Orioles sightings and nests for the past 5 years. More than 1,500 people have sent over 14,000 reports of orioles, giving us a great baseline to continue our studies.
Phase II - Locating Nests
This year we would like you to spend time watching these beautiful birds to see if you can determine if they are nesting in the area-and if you find a nest, keep an eye on it and report back during the season. Collecting information on Oriole nesting sites will give us better information on Oriole populations.
How do I establish if there is a nest in the area?
The clues are easy to spot.
- Is there a male Oriole singing for a week or more in the same area?
- Did you see Orioles carrying nesting material or food?
- Did you see an active nest?
- Or did you see young birds, fledglings, out of the nest?
And if you are following a nest, please report back! Did they rear young successfully? Did you witness any predation or parasitism? Any other interesting observations?
When should I start looking for nests?
Orioles will begin to arrive in early April from their Latin American wintering grounds. The first signs of nesting should be apparent in early May. Before then you may see courting display. The male Oriole courts the female with song and a bowing display with partially spread wings and tail.
Report Online
The web-based oriole reporter we introduced in 2008 has proven so popular that we will no longer post a downloadable data cards. If you've not used it; it's easy, fun, and very precise!
And, if you cannot find evidence of nesting, and simply want to report your Oriole sighting, feel free. We are interested in all sightings.
Fill in the Blanks
Though we have oriole reports from over 90% of Massachusetts cities and towns, we still lack records from 34 towns. Can you help us get to 100%? Check out our No Oriole Towns list.
Other Birds-to-Watch projects
This season we're adding the American Kestrel to our conservation priorities. This spectacular little falcon has declined alarmingly in recent years. You can help us find the places where kestrels are still doing well, and perhaps monitor a nest box. For more information on how to help us with kestrels, go to www.massaudubon.org/kestrels. And for the nocturnally inclined, don't forget about our Whip-poor-will survey, described in full at www.massaudubon.org/whippoorwill.
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