Stopping by for a meal on the way south. A Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) enjoys the seeds of Purple Coneflowers that I’ve left for the travelers. My gardens may look untidy, but they are a way of welcoming these birds as they pass through. Birds that are migrating long distances during the dark of night. Aiming for the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, the Caribbean coast of Mexico and Central America.

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is 5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 7.5 to 8 inches. In comparison to other birds, they are larger than a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and smaller than a Hermit Thrush. I wish them well on their way to their winter home.