April Surprise

 
 

I thought at first this was a baby hummingbird, until I read that hummers are pretty much full sized by the time they leave the nest. Turns out this is a White Lined Sphinx Moth, whose hovering behavior looks just like the hummingbird. It's only a couple of inches in length, pretty big for a moth, not so big for a hummingbird.

It's always exciting to get the first blooms in the pond! These beauties open late each morning and close early in the evening. They have their own daylight savings time.

Spring is here!




This little birdie was bold. He posed for these photos while I was sitting just a few feet away. I had just driven up in front of the house and he flew over to the shrubs, checking for goodies, I guess.

I tried to be quiet about getting out the camera, rolling down the window, setting up the shots. Even turned the radio down. Nothing seemed to bother him. I don't think he noticed me at all.





























The last shot is an unintentional 'shadow shot' but it's kinda neat - makes him look like a painted bunting