I received wonderful photos of both the current Boulder prothonotary and northern parula with FLIES in their beaks. Flies from a few families (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Tachinidae, Sarcophagidae, Syrphidae, others) regularly or at least occasionally seek out aphid honeydew deposited on plant surfaces. Aphids are tiny. Most of the honeydew-seeking insects are bigger. So, while aphids may be initial target and overriding staple of late-migrating insectivorous birds (along with midges), the aphid-associated insects are welcome gravy they don't ignore.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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