Saturday, September 6, 2008

Camera Critter Meme #22

In the spring of 07, I left Oregon for another state I have enjoyed...Texas.

I spent a number of years living in the San Antonio area, but I wasn't a critter photographer then. So when I went back this time, I had two goals...visit with my brother and his family, and get nature photos I couldn't get here.

Both goals were accomplished and I was able to collect a nice variety of Texas critters.

Two areas were my favorite. The first was the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center south of San Antonio. I visited this area twice and came back each time with a nice variety of photos.

The second area I enjoyed was the Lost Maples State Natural Area northwest of the city. Trails led throughout the park and at every turn, something new would appear, whether it was bird or bug. But one particular sighting really got my "trigger finger" itching.

We were on the east trail at the park, approaching a quiet area of the Can Creek Ponds. In the distance I could see something moving quickly around a small field of wildflowers. As we got closer, I lost sight of the critter and started scanning other areas for more wildlife. Suddenly, my nephew tugged my arm and said, "Uncle Lauren...it's back."

I looked back to the wildflower patch and sure enough, there was the same critter flying around I had seen minutes earlier. I quickened my pace and as I neared the patch, I realized what it was I had seen at distance.

Known as the White-lined Sphinx Moth, this large, and quick lepidoptera is also called as a Hummingbird Moth because of the way it hovers at flower, obtaining nectar. The moth's wings even sound like a hummingbird's wings. Everything about the creature gives it the appearance of a hummingbird...except the way it looks.

I hope you enjoy one of the few 'in focus' images of this marvelous critter. And yes...there was a reason this one was selected. 8v)

If you enjoy photos of critters, please stop by Misty Dawn's Camera Critter Meme during the weekends and check out the posts. Better yet...join in the fun.

31 comments:

Misty DawnS said...

I've never seen this photo!!! This is one of the most gorgeous things EVER! W.O.W. Bear, it is so beautiful - AND it's on PURPLE flowers! Which makes it absolutely perfect!!!

Maria Verivaki said...

this really is a pretty butterfly - i havent seen a brighter pink on any other

Rayne said...

Fantastic capture! Well done.

Anonymous said...

OMG! That is BEAUTY!~Mine is HERE if you have a time! Thanks! Happy CC!

Busy Mom in Iowa said...

Very cool picture!! The way you captured it is wonderful!

Indrani said...

I have never seen a sphinx moth before, Great image!

bobbie said...

I've always wanted to see a hummingbird moth. This is really pretty. I'm glad you captured it.

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful critter!

Norm said...

I love butterfly too..very cute and beautiful..nice capture..

Dina said...

Ah, so that's what it is! I've seen this creature darting around the roses here in the Jerusalem Hills and always wondered if it was bird or bug. Thanks for the info and the great photo.

Kerri Farley said...

Fabulous shot!! He is gorgeous!!

Juliana said...

awesome shot

Please stop by also at my CC post : in HERE and HERE Thanks

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ash: Very nice photo of the Moth. I've seen them a few times but never with a camera. I hope I do one day.

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Hi! Good for you. This is a very nice photo.

Cecelia---Sis---Mom said...

Gorgeous!! We were at a friends house the other day and there must have been a hundred of these critters feasting on her flowers and of course I didn't have my camera. Great shot.

Cece

Rhea said...

What a beautiful moth! It's wings do look hummingbird like in this photo especially.

bcmomtoo said...

It sounds like these moths don't hold still much, so I'm glad you managed to focus on one. Thanks for the information, because I did not know anything about these moths.

i beati said...

unusual and fetching lots of Texans on this blog meme

AppleDebbie said...

Oh my goodness, what an incredible capture! I can see why it's called a hummingbird moth - it's beautiful!

Cátia said...

very pretty butterfly!fantastic capture!

Cláudia said...

Great shot, you were very lucky!
Beautiful critter!

ratmammy said...

wow, that's a very interesting looking butterfly!!

magiceye said...

amazing! pic and information. thank you.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful critter! and quite a story to get that photo!

Dirkjogt said...

Gorgeous, don't see this in our area. Well captured, not easy!
Dirkjogt, Belgium

Lilli & Nevada said...

Oh that is a beautiful Butterfly love the pink on it

Anonymous said...

Very pretty!

HeatherK said...

very nice capture!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Another new one to me. That pink is so unsusual.Very beautiful critter.

Anonymous said...

Great photo! Thanks for sharing.

Norm said...

cute and lovely critters! wonderful..