New plantations can be created to suit the needs of orioles and also to attract maximum grant aid. Schemes are available from the Forestry Commission, MAFF, the Countryside Commission and the four county councils covering fenland. The RSPB is keen to see farmers well rewarded to activities that are beneficial to birds. Male golden orioles return early in May, often arriving a week or more before the females. Soon the plantations echo to the elusive, flute-like whistling.
Courtship displays are spectacular.
The make pursues the female at high speeds through and above the trees, following so closely that he almost touches her tail. Eighteen nests were located during one recent summer at heights ranging from 7.5 metres to 26 metres. Not surprisingly they sway alarmingly, but well withstand storms. At nesting time the parents become bold and pugnacious attacking crows, magpies, cuckoos and kestrels crossing their territory. The plantations again become silent by mid-August.