Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I have always been fascinated by the brilliantly colored songbird. Widespread east of the Great Plains and North of the sunbelt, Baltimore Orioles are very common in open woods and groves throughout the summer, usually starting to appear around Mother's Day. With bag-shaped hanging nests developed with plant fibers, the Baltimore Oriole is a sight to behold.
About Handy Andy Bird Feeders
The nickname Handy Andy originated from my prior failings to perform menial tasks around the house. "Find Handy Andy, he will screw it up" was a common family and neighborhood talking point. From "fixing" a leaky shower head, but not heeding the "quarter turn" recommendation with my ingenious half turn (thus breaking the pipe), this nickname was very well earned.
After moving to MN in 1997, our driveway and garage soon became The Spider Lounge (think big, messy garage), a greeting spot for neighbors to gather for a beer on Friday afternoons. Deep friendships ensued, but my ineptness continued until we got close to a few neighborhood friends (pictured at a Kentucky Derby Party). I am the one with the "borrowed" Home Depot Kids apron. These friends are brilliant (mostly), handy as can be, and enjoy drinking our beer, our company, and sharing their skills with me.
Watching their skills and with their tutelage, I am starting to become pretty handy, and enjoy hand building Oriole Feeders. These treated northern cedar birdfeeders are built to last with two coats of high-grade water proofing and comes with a jelly dish and dowel for oranges.
Please enjoy the blazing orange and black Orioles when they frequent your feeder in the spring and summer.
Handy Andy