I used some grape that didn't have any corn syrup in it, and nobody touched it the whole summer!

Apricot preserves and peach preserves were very popular last year. Grape jam also. I don't worry about the corn syrup but I try to use preserves/jam rather than jelly on the principle that it's better nutritionally (I hate it when a bird product has "berry flavoring" as an ingredient).

My impression was that the catbirds were more interested in grape than the orioles. Nobody seemed to like strawberry.

Claire

I use Welsh's concord grape jelly and everyone loves it...even the robins, red bellied woodpecker and catbirds.

Thanks. We'll give them a try. We have had pretty limited success with oranges.

I have always used grape jelly...brand didn't matter...

Today I put up a new jelly/jam jar feeder with apricot preserves and this afternoon a male oriole appeared. I usually use the cheapest store house brands, although I bought the Smuckers because the jar fits the feeder. I'll refill the jar with house brand apricot or peach or grape preserves.

Claire

I had head that blueberry or strawberry preserves aren't good as the seeds can get stuck in the bird's throat. Is this true? I have one unopened jar of each kind.

I use the cheapest grape jelly I can find, and have not had an oriole pass it up, or a catbird for that matter.

However, I have read that the jelly jars are dangerous to use. Once the jelly gets to a low level, the bird can get caught in the jar as it goes in and can get trapped and die. A few places have discontinued selling them. Something to think about.

I use an oriole feeder I bought on ebay a few years ago. It has 2 cups for jelly, and two places for oranges. It's also covered and is made of recycled plastic. The birds love it.

The jelly jar feeder I bought has a bar across the opening and the instructions say not to remove it because without it a bird can get caught in the jar. This should prevent that problem.

I have other oriole feeders that work - I have to rig up a new hanger for one because the old hanger wire broke.

Claire

I have tried lots of stuff over the years and it varys from birds to birds. some like the strawberry best and others grape and lots like apricot. they use the jar feeder but like the bowl of jelly or a lid better. also most seem to prefer the jam over jelly.

I buy the cheapest grape jelly I can find, and they love it.

claire, where did you find your jar feeder? Thanks.

donnas: I bought it on Amazon.com for $10 plus $2 shipping.

"Songbird Essentials SEBCO212 Jelly/Jam Fliteline Oriole Feeder"

Claire

Beautiful pictures Claire!

juliet799 quit spamming these threads. You've been reported. all of your posts link to your business. that's not allowed here