Where might I see an oriole?

Sliced oranges are a favorite of Baltimore Orioles

The song of orioles echoing from treetops is a sure sign of spring. You'll find orioles near parks and along trails in the woods. They may even come to your backyard if you offer them slices of oranges or small amounts of jelly. Planting bright fruit and nectar-bearing flowers such as raspberries is a sure enticement. 

Despite the brilliant markings of the males, orioles may be hard to spot. Females, with their drabber coloration, are even more difficult to pick out. You'll probably hear their their whistling songs before you see them amid the high branches. 

The male Baltimore Oriole has striking orange and black color that blazes through the leafy vegetation. You might spot a female weaving her hanging nest from slender fibers attached to a tree limb. She has a muted orange-yellow color beneath and a grayish black on the wings.

Female Baltimore Oriole

The Orchard Oriole, a warbler-sized cousin, is seen less frequently in the area. The underparts of the male are a rich chestnut brown. The female is a dull yellow, with no black bib or head, and brownish wing bars.

So where are you apt to see orioles? Birdwatchers reported seeing numerous Baltimore Orioles across the Lehigh Valley during the week ended May 19. They've also seen a few Orchard Orioles. During the week, no Bullock's Orioles have been reported to E-bird.

Mount Bethel Fens, Northampton County
(at Institute Drive)
Baltimore Oriole, 3 on May 14.

Easton, Northampton County
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on May 18 along North Delaware Drive; 2 on May 16 and 7 on May 17 on Karl Stimer Arts Trail; 4 on May 15 along Paxonia Road East.

Riegelsville, Northampton County
(at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary)
Baltimore Oriole, 7 on May 14.

Plainfield Township Trail, Northampton County
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on May 14.

Male Orchard Oriole

Jacobsburg State Park, Northampton County
Baltimore Oriole, 4 on May 15; 6 on May 16.
Orchard Oriole, 1 on May 14.

Graver's Hill, Northampton County
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on May 13.

Moore Township, Northampton County
Orchard Oriole, 1 on May 17.
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on May 17.

Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, Northampton County
Orchard Oriole, 2 on May 13.

Monocacy Nature Center, Northampton County
Baltimore Oriole, 7 on May 16; 10 on May 18; 7 on May 19.

Bethlehem, Northampton County
(at Mark Twain Circle)
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on May 17.

Allentown, Lehigh County
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on May 19 at Grange Park; 2 on May 16 along Park Drive.

Lehigh Parkway East, Lehigh County
Orchard Oriole, 1 on May 16.
Baltimore Oriole, 6 on May 16.

Trexler Memorial Park, Lehigh County
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on May 16.

Female Orchard Oriole

Leaser Lake, Lehigh County
Orchard Oriole, 5 on May 14; 7 on May 16; 3 on May 17.
Baltimore Oriole, 12 on May 14 and May 16; 10 on May 17; 15 on May 18; 2 on May 19.

New Tripoli, Lehigh County
Baltimore Oriole, 6 on May 17; 5 on May 18.

State Game Lands 217, Lehigh County
(Reservoir Road access)
Baltimore Oriole, 1 on May 18.

Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County
(along North Krocks Road)
Baltimore Oriole, 5 on May 14.

Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Orchard Oriole, 2 on May 16.
Baltimore Oriole, 3 on May 13; 6 on May 16; 8 on May 18; 3 on May 19.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Carbon County
Baltimore Oriole, 2 on May 16.