Figure 1 – Baltimore Oriole (male) – Icterus galbula, Black’s Nook, Fresh Pond Reservation, Cambridge, MA.

One of the most dramatic of New England birds is the Baltimore oriole – Icterus galbula – especially the males. The vivid orange contrasted with black and white is simply spectacular. In my walks this spring at Fresh Pond Reservation I have come upon two mating pair one in Black’s Nook and the other at Little Fresh Pond by the “dog beach.” The male shown in Figure 1 is from the Black’s Nook pair. He actually posed for several shots and this was the best in terms of composition and background. I am not quite satisfied by the sharpness, probably because the exposure was just one over the ISO.  But, I seldom am.

He’s got a little caterpillar in his mouth. This means that there are baby birds somewhere. I really need to go back and see if I can spot the woven hanging nest.

Why are they called Baltimore Orioles and does this have anything to do with baseball. They got their name because their orange and black colorations is reminiscint fo the heraldic crest of England’s Baltimore family, The City of Baltimore is named after this family (who also gave their name to Maryland’s largest city). The baseball team is, of course, named after the bird.

Canon T2i with EF70-200mm f/4L USM lens at 140 mm, ISO 1600, Aperture Priority AE mode 1/160 th sec at f/7.1 with no exposure compensation.