A Humming Bee?

I took my camera out to the font yard today in the hopes of catching a Hummingbird sipping nectar from the Canna Lilies; instead, I came across a creature I had never seen before.  It looked (and acted) like a cross between a Bumble Bee and a Hummingbird.  A Humming Bee perhaps?

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When hubby got home and I told him about this cool flying critter, he googled it and found out that it is actually a Hummingbird Moth.  More specifically, a Snowberry Clearwing Hummingbird Moth.  How cool is that!

hbmoth3When I downloaded the pictures, it was much easier to see the moth-like features – like the proboscis it is using to gather the nectar from the Butterfly Bush.

hbmoth2I have to say, it was fascinating to watch this fellow.  I am already a huge fan of this marvelous moth.  I hope he returns so I can try and get some better photos; to be honest, I was reluctant to get too close since I didn’t know if he had a stinger!

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And in case you were curious, a Hummingbird did eventually make a brief appearance!

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Part of the joy of nature photography is that you never really know what is going to show up and grab your attention!

Published by kathydoremus

Amateur nature "photogriter." One who still marvels at majesty.

32 thoughts on “A Humming Bee?”

  5. Those hummingbird moths are cool, but nothing beats that beautiful delicate hummingbird amidst the red flowers! STUNNING!!!

    1. I am hoping the hummingbird gets a little more comfortable with my presence so I can get a closer shot. They are quick little buggers!

  6. It is amazing to see a bee the same size as a bird, as your photos show. I do find your hummingbirds most interesting, and would be one bird I would love to see if I visited. Thanks for sharing Kathy.

    1. This fellow looks like a bee but is actually a moth. And if you ever visit, I do hope you get to hang out with some Hummingbirds. 🙂

  8. I love it when others find such unique creatures! Kathy, to me, his backend has the look of a lobster tail (all the black bit)…can you see it? Fascinating! 😀

  9. Wow!! Never seen one of these!! Awesome, Kathy! Do you all have a hummingbird feeder? Hub makes his own sugar water and hung it right in front of the window above the kitchen sink. He keeps the water changed often and we are swarming with them. I bet you would be too (if you’re not already, and want to be). He’s asleep now but I can get that recipe if you want it. And thanks for the info about that very cool moth!

    1. We have a couple hummingbird feeders, but they tend to not visit them as much until the flowers fade away a bit.
      My hummingbirds have really just started making an appearance. I hope I can get some more shots while I am out stalking butterflies! 🙂

    1. I can’t tell you how fascinating it was to watch this critter. I think I will forever call it a humming bee in my head since that was the name that first came to mind.

  12. I have seen a hummingbird moth once in my garden. By the time I got my camera it was gone. What a disappointment especially since I’ve never seen one again. Very cool images Kathy and I love the hummingbirds too.

    1. It was the first time I had ever noticed one in my yard (maybe because we now have a butterfly bush) but I do hope he comes for return visits!

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