Western Tanager!

The orioles flew in this morning - we've had quite a few this year - and with them a western tanager! We're so excited, as we've never seen one before. We put some orange halves out on a stump for them, so perhaps we'll get a photo later.

When I did a search on DG, I noticed that people often report them being seen with orioles. Is this coincidental, or do they tag along? I know our oriole feeder is set up to take orange halves and jelly.

Great week - we also spotted a Lawrence's gold finch.

Kathleen

Congrats, kaperc. I get both the orioles and tanagers at the same time, but can't say if they travel together or not.

I didn't have any luck with the grape jelly or fruit. I put out bowls of sugar water for the orioles and they seem to like it.

Yesterday I had about thirty black headed grosbeaks in my yard...ate up all the finch food ! Back to the store today for more. They both like the thistle seed. Is that what your gold finches are eating.

We don't put seed out. We're trying to plant things they will eat, offer water, and the occasional fruit treat. Mostly it's the water they are attracted to. I'm sure if we fed them we'd have hordes, but we decided not to do that.

I did see my first grosbeak this morning, too. And while I was standing near the fountain a hummer came to bathe on the edge. We had a nice chat before she left. :-)

After breakfast, I showered our own birds, so with all that noise it might be a while before the 'outies' come back near the house!

Kaperc, Here you are planting for the birds, and I'm trying to keep them away from my plants. (lol) I only see the tanager about every other day. He comes to get a drink and take a bath, then he's gone. I would feed him but don't have a clue what they eat, maybe only bugs!

Bugs, berries, and orange halves is what I read the tanagers eat.

We plant natives with berries, milkweed for butterflies, sages etc. for the hummers - nothing they can hurt and we enjoy them. I have a few 'special' plants but they don't bother those.

Sounds a lot cheaper than buying bird seed. Maybe I'll try some orange halves.......so does that mean they would drink orange juice ? (lol) I could share some of mine with them.