Friday, September 18, 2009

Evening Show



I took some time this evening to view some of nature's fireworks. Just as the sun set I noticed the common evening-primrose flowers opening up. I guess in the past I never actually watched it happen. It took about 3-minutes for the flowers to open fully.

The show wasn't done...


I spotted some white-lined sphinx hummingbird moths. I have seen them in past years and it is always an interesting show. They aren't too shy as long as I wait patiently.


I think that the colors are so interesting -- especially in the fast fading twilight. Hummingbird moth is an apt name as they really appear as hummingbirds. I thought I saw a hummingbird in the daylight a few days ago, but I guess it was one of these.

(White-lined Sphinx Hummingbird Moth at Primrose)

I also see these moths out as well. Not sure if they are the same or just related and like the same flowers.


Taking time out in the fading hours really gives a new view on the gardens.

10 comments:

Connie said...

Nice post. Those hummingbird moths really are quite beautifully colored. I hate to see the garden winding down for another year, seems the summer went too fast!

ChrisND said...

Hi Connie. Thanks...it is always fun to witness all the things that visit the garden at different times. Yes, the summer did go fast -- we're having a warm September, but that will be changing...

Roses and Lilacs said...

Three minutes seems pretty fast I had no idea they opened so quickly. I planted one evening primrose in my gravel garden this year. They are such wonderfully tough plants.

Great photos of the moths. I always plant flowers they like but this year I didn't see any.
Marnie

ChrisND said...

Hi Marnie...The blooms really do open fast. I was surprised when I went to look at them and saw them moving! Almost like fireworks with yellow popping up all over the place.

The first time we had the primroses (not sure where they came from) we had the moths. Very fun...now the primrose just reseeds and I let some stay.

Unknown said...

WOW! Very cool, how do you catch it sitting still enough?

ChrisND said...

Hi winniesmom. With the moths, they are predictable-- moving from flower to flower. So I stood with my camera focused on a bloom until it come to me! For a lot of things I try to wait and maybe catch them....and it is digital so lots of extra photos.

Avis said...

That moth is pretty enough to make me change my opinion of moths ;-)

ChrisND said...

Yeah, I've actually seen a few nice looking moths...just depends on what their caterpillars do.

Q said...

These are wonderful moths!
I understand watching the evening show too. I love just sitting back and waiting to see what Mother Nature will do. Her sunsets and her critters are always amazing. The Primrose is lovely with her Moth....
Hope you are staying warm. We have snow forecasted for this weekend...I think it will be just a dusting but still it is early for snow.
Sherry

ChrisND said...

Hi Sherry. It was been such a gift to see many new things through our garden!

Yes, we have gotten the first snows -- though not permanently on the ground yet. Killing frost was actually later than average (even though temps lately are below average). Wish we had a fireplace or wood stove to make things extra toasty come the winter cold.