September is a busy migrating month, one where I anxiously watch for wayfaring Warblers to make a layover in the backyard.

And just look at who was the first to stop in…

…this stunning Yellow-throated Warbler.

He landed on the farkleberry branch (a perch that we set up overlooking the fountain) to see if it was safe to drop down for a drink…

…and then flew down to get a bit closer.

His next stop was the Japanese Maple that is planted right beside the fountain, a tree that gives the birds a place to hide out and survey the scene before making their way to the water.

Once the coast was clear, he dashed out to the edge of the fountain…

…did a quick dive by drink…

…and then scurried back to the leafy coverage.

After several trips back and forth, he flew back to the farkleberry branch and treated me to several pretty poses! Isn’t he gorgeous!

And, when the photo session was done (his decision, not mine!) he flew off out of the yard to continue his journey south.

I feel like this fellow and I had an unspoken arrangement – he’d share his beauty in exchange for a beverage. That’s a deal I’ll make any day!