Summertime brings a variety of birds and insects to the garden. I love the patterns of the wings and the details of this very cool looking hummingbird moth, a Hemaris thysbe or also called the Hummingbird Clearwing. It is easily mistaken for a hummingbird.
Hummingbird Moth
But hummingbird moths are insects, not birds. And, a hummingbird moth is not a baby hummingbird.
One way to tell the difference is their size. Hummingbird moths are smaller in size, just 1 to 2 inches long, like this one a bright, white phlox flower. Hummingbird moths are generally more common in gardens and suburbs that hummingbirds.
Hummingbird moth proboscis
This is a blurry photo but you can see its curled proboscis that it uses to feed on nectar from flowers.
Moths have thick, barrel-shaped bodies while hummingbirds have a more tapered, delicate shape. The bird’s abdomen can be thick, but its head and tail are much more tapered than a moth’s. Moths can also have a furry look to the body.
Mourning Dove
This bird, also known as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, the turtle dove, and was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. I love the soft cooing song it sings.
The same dove keeping an eye on her baby that was being pursued by a blue-jay.
Out of the nest and stretching its wings under mama’s careful watch.
Then off the patio.
To make its way in the world.
The hummingbird
A silhouette of a hummer in the rain, drawn by both a feeder filled with nectar and the buddleia bush.
Growing a buddleia bush in your yard is a sure way to attract butterflies like this beautiful Swallowtail.
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So very beautiful! You are a gifted photographer!
Beautiful! Your photos captured the moments. Aren't you glad the Lord made such beautiful creatures?
~Adrienne~
Not only could you be featured in Victoria Magazine, but you also could publish your own photography magazine. These pictures are exceptional!!!
Gorgeous photos
Wow! such gorgeous photos Lorraine! The humming bird moth pictures are so lovely, specially the one in which the proboscis is seen so clearly. Darling pictures of the birds too. Beautiful!
Wow! such gorgeous photos Lorraine! The humming bird moth pictures are so lovely, specially the one in which the proboscis is seen so clearly. Darling pictures of the birds too. Beautiful!
There is absolutely nothing as wonderful as God's creation – and these perfect little creatures are a wonderful illustration!
The first time I saw one of those moths it just kind of freaked me out. We were sitting outside and it "buzzed" my hair. lol Your photography skills get better all the time, Lorraine- xo Diana
Lots of busy activity in the yard these days! Wouldn't want to get in the way of the Momma watching out for baby:@)
beautiful pictures and that moth is amazing. I've never seen anything like it
Breath taking photos!
Nature with all its glory
All of your photos are pretty but I really love the butterfly.
Beautiful photo's, I have never seen a humming bird moth before…you did great to capture that!
These were fantastic pictures…I am soo impressed! I can't even get my camera out quick enough to catch our hummingbirds at the feeder. I have 3 of them at a time sharing our feeder…soo neat! Enjoy your day
Beautiful photographs, Lorraine! Such variety and beauty in God's creation…and you have captured so much of it in these captivating photos!
Your pictures are so beautiful, thank you for sharing!
Wow…that moth was amazing…never seen one before. Really great pics!
Debby