A Baltimore Oriole came into my Arkansas yard after my neighbor gave me a helpful tip. He had several orioles at his feeders and brought me an orange to try.
That small favor gave me another chance to photograph one of these bright spring birds close to home.
Baltimore Oriole Visitor Drawn In With an Orange
Last May, I photographed a Baltimore Oriole in my yard for the first time. I wrote about that rare visit here: Baltimore Oriole In My Yard, A Rare Visitor Close To Home.
I cut the orange that my neighbor gave me and placed it near my feeder. The next day, I was inside the house when one came in to feed.
I grabbed my camera, but the bird flew as soon as I opened the door. It kept returning, but it stayed skittish at first.
Using a Chair Blind for a Skittish Baltimore Oriole
After a few failed tries from the door, I changed my approach. I placed my chair blind on the deck so I could stay hidden.
That made the difference. Once I was inside the blind, the oriole settled down enough for me to get several photos.
The next day, I tried again without the blind. By then, the bird continued coming in to feed on the orange, and I was able to photograph it again.
For the second photo, I used my Canon EOS R5 Mark II with the Canon RF 200-800mm lens. I rested my Ground Pod and Wimberley tripod head setup on the deck rail.
Camera Settings For Second Photo:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
- Focal length: 800 mm
- Aperture: f/9
- Shutter speed: 1/500 second
- ISO: 3200
- Exposure compensation: -1/3
- Support: Ground Pod with Wimberley Tripod Head, rested on the deck rail
- Date and time: April 30, 2026, at 7:58 A.M.
Why This Backyard Oriole Visit Stood Out
I enjoy photographing wildlife in my yard because these moments often start with something simple. This one started with a neighbor, an orange, and a little patience.
I appreciate him letting me know the orioles were in the neighborhood. I also appreciate the orange that helped bring this bird close enough to photograph.
It made for a bright spring morning on the deck.