Saturday, August 24, 2019

Saturday Critters ~ 297 ~

It's been an exciting week here on the home front.
Ten butterflies have emerged and were then released into the world.


















Once a butterfly emerges indoors,
I release it close to, or place it on to this butterfly bush.
Often, they just fly off, 
but sometimes they hang around and allow me to take pictures.

In other excitement, I spotted a Hummingbird Moth on the Vinca's,


planted in the yellow bird bath the hubs and I made.


The Hummingbird Moth is exciting to see and observe.
It's actions are much like that of a hummingbird, 
the buzzing and humming sound is created by it's rapid wing movement.


Those wings are transparent.
They range in length from 2 to 2.5 inches, 
their wingspan ranges from 2 - 6 inches depending on the species.


It has a long tongue like "proboscis" in order to reach the nectar deep inside a flower.
You can see it extended in this picture.

I rarely see a Hummingbird Moth, it was thrilling for me to see and photograph it!

Sharing today with

20 comments:

David M. Gascoigne, said...

We released one Monarch yesterday. Just five more to go and that's it for this year.

Andy said...

Your backyard is the most interesting place.

Louca por porcelana said...

Just wonderful!I love seeing the butterflies...Have a lovely weekend!

Brian King said...

Those are beautiful! And congratulations on the Hummingbird Moth!

Pam said...

BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love Hummingbird Moths, I think they are the neatest moths around. Totally amazing for sure. Love the pics, beautiful as always.

Black Knight said...

Your backyard is amazing, full of critters, flowers and colours.

Conniecrafter said...

They have such beautiful markings don't they, so nice of them to let you get a picture :)
I have seen something similar to that moth but didn't know what it was, so neat that you were able to get pictures of him, the wings always look so delicate to me, just amazing!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Kudos to you and all your hard work raising the butterflies. They are beautiful. I love the color of your butterfly bush. The Hummingbird Moth is cool, a great sight to see. Beautiful photos! Thank you for linking up! Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend. PS, thank you for the visit and comment.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You got some amazing photos of the hummingbird moth! I haven't seen one this year...need to look for them! And you released butterflies this week! WOW! Sending you LOTS of hugs for your good work! What a wonderful sense of accomplishment!

Marie Smith said...

There you go butterfly whisperer. Word is getting out about your hospitality.

italiafinlandia said...

A kind of Hummingbird moth lives in Italy too.

Changes in the wind said...

Wow! beautiful pictures and never seen a hummingbird moth before....Interesting.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Because you are there when these butterflies are released, they are in perfect condition. Love that Hummingbird Moth as well.

LeAnn said...

Oh my dear friend, this photos of the butterflies are spectacular. I can just picture you taking these. In fact, you should have your hubby take a photo of you taking the pictures. I'm sure it would be a fun one.
I have never heard of a Hummingbird Moth. That is fascinating. I recently read a article that talked about moths and how beautiful some of them are. You have increased my interest in birds through your fabulous photos.
Blessings and hugs!

Sue (this n that) said...

You've totally 'wowed' me Debbie! Gorgeous Butterfly releases and then the Hummingbird Moth... I had never known of such a marvellous creature. Oh those wings - amazing!

Kim said...

Exciting for you to witness the beauty of the Hummingbird Moth, Debbie. Love all your butterflies.

Karen Lakis said...

I have never heard of a hummingbird moth - soooo interesting! Your butterflies are beautiful - it's amazing how many you've been able to care for.

lil red hen said...

Hummingbird moths are frequent visitors of my four-o-clock plants. They usually come late in the afternoon when the air begins to cool.

Lowcarb team member said...

Beautiful photographs, and lovely to see the Hummingbird Moth :)

All the best Jan

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So wonderful. Thank you for doing this and for sharing.