Andrew took this photograph of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth at Cheyne Wears on 12/07/17.
This species always causes excitement when spotted hovering like a tiny hummingbird whilst nectaring on tubular flowers such as Buddleia, Phlox, Red Valerian, Lilac and Petunias.
Mostly immigrants, arriving April-December, but more usually seen August -September, in the South west they have been known to overwinter during mild winters for the last 30 years.
Interesting to note that they are considered a messenger of good tidings in Italy and Malta, and on D-Day 1944 a small swarm were reported flying over the English Channel from France towards England.