Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Baltimore O

Icterus galbulaBaltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) males don’t get their full, distinctive black and orange plumage until the fall of their second year of life. Which explains why this guy is only half way there. Icterus galbulaIt’s too early, after all, for this year’s crop. According to Cornell’s All About Birds, this not-quite-dapper plumage doesn’t necessarily prevent them from breeding this season. They also note that females become more orange as they age.

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