Injuries to the young Baltimore Oriole show surface injuries to its crown and shoulder, including missing down and at least one laceration. Photograph by the author.

Just before dusk on June 8, 2024, my son and I were in our backyard and witnessed a male Baltimore Oriole attack an active oriole nest containing three nestlings. The male flew to the nest and reached its head inside, and a second male zoomed in from a nearby branch. There ensued a loud 10-second scuffle at the nest, after which one of the two males departed and flew out of the territory.

My son pointed behind me and said, “Dad, a bird fell.” A young bird with a mix of natal down and first contour feathers was on the ground directly below the nest. It showed surface injuries to its shoulder and crown, with a section of down missing and at least one laceration.