The fruit trees are coming to bloom and flocks of Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) are feasting on insects and taking nectar from the fragrant flowers.
While brilliant orange, Baltimore Orioles are actually members of the blackbird family - the Icteridae. The Latin genus name, Icterus, means yellow - as many of the blackbird family, especially the Orioles, have bright orange or yellow plumage.
Orioles weave basket-like nests that hang from the upper branches of the tallest trees. Finding one is the fall after the leaves have dropped, is a special treat.
