A very special visitor appeared in my new butterfly garden a few days ago, a Clearwing Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris thysbe) dropped by for a visit. Seeing this little jewel flitting about and collecting nectar, I ran inside the house and grabbed my camera. Here are a few of my favorite images I captured:
I am always thrilled when I see one of these beauties. Usually, I find them among some of the prairie wildflowers, especially the Monarda species, but seeing one just outside my front door, in my new butterfly garden, was even more exciting! I’m hoping after our rains stop (remnants from Newton), that I can spot this lovely creature again!
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 7D Mark 2 body
- Canon 100-400mm, f/4.5-5.6 IS lens
- Handheld, with IS “On”
- ISO 500 to ISO 1250 (shot some of the bottom images at ISO 1250 to help stop the movement of this quick fellow)
- Aperture f/5.6 to f/8
- Shutter 1/400 sec. to 1/1,600 sec.