Hummingbird hawkmoths do indeed occur on Portland -
I saw one in my garden here just this morning. Most years one or more of my
friends and colleagues tell me they've seen hummingbirds in their
gardens, when actually they've seen this fantastic moth. I can see how they
would make the mistake - they don't hang around long enough to double check and
hover with their proboscis extended looking a lot like a curved bill. See http://www.portlandbirdobs.btinternet.co.uk/mp_hummingbird_hawk_3_100704_300.jpg
for a picture of one hovering at valerian on Portland!
Ken
Portland
Dorset
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