Sunday, August 2, 2009

My Elusive Hummingbird Moth

Sometimes patience pays off. I have been trying for days to get photos of this hummingbird moth that come each evening to the phlox.
Generally the routine is as follows: I see the moth, take off to grab camera, come back and it's gone. It must have been having a bit of pity on me, because as I took these shots (among many others out of focus) it lingered quite a while. I cannot believe I was able---quite by accident---to get a shot with the proboscis curled and ready to go back in the mouth!
Enjoy these.....they are just a delight for me to share!






As a final word, I had a female hummingbird come between me and the moth, running it off once and giving me the evil eye---just hovering directly in front of me! Their behaviour is so funny, and very expressive about their displeasure!
Pax.

6 comments:

teri said...

Fantastic photos and post!!!
I snapped a bubble bee in my cluster of lilies but your H Moth is much more impressive... always carry the camera with you!!!!!

Linda and Michelle said...

I need a better camera - I miss so much. Lesson from you - always be ready!!!

yoborobo said...

I love these little guys - the first time I saw one (after moving to MD from CA), I could NOT figure it out. LOL! I'm used to lots of hummers, but not these guys. Nice shots! :)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey all--I have to admit most of these were pure LUCK! They move faster than a hummer; don't hover as much. So I was wandering all around trying to get the little stinker in the viewfinder long enough to get the autofocus on it.
The first photo was TOTALLY unexpected! (I'm not complaining...) :)

:-D eirdre said...

So these aren't birds? How very strange! Great photos, I'm glad the photo goddess was on your side for these images! THANKS!
:-D eirdre

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Deirdre,

I swear Blogger is swallowing comments! I just found this and another from the 5th of August, and that one was about a friend who was ill.
Sorry I did not respond---I am at a loss!

XXOO!!!

Anne

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