What is this on my flowers

[DisaronnoConnoisseur]

Does anyone know what this is on my flowers. I thought it was a bee that the cat was trying to get at first but when I looked it really wasn't. It had like an antenna (don't know if that's the right word) in the middle of its 'head' and was inserting it into the flowers.

It’s a moth. (Not sure what type) it’s drinking the nectar from your flower. Very cute.

Hummingbird hawkmoth.

@GlubGlubGlub

It’s a moth. (Not sure what type) it’s drinking the nectar from your flower. Very cute.

Thank you! You wouldn't think I was in my 30s, I feel a little stupid that I didn't know that it was a moth, let alone what the hell it was doing. In my defence I am very new to gardening.

@GerundTheBehemoth

Hummingbird hawkmoth.

Thank you. My DP was convinced the cat was chasing a bird. Having googled it, I can see why from a distance.

@DisaronnoConnoisseur

I first saw a hummingbird hawk moth on holiday in Italy when I was well over 50, & like you I was stunned & flummoxed!

You did well to get a clear picture too, I couldn’t.

They are amazing creatures

This was the best I could do!

I photographed this one in Montenegro. They are still quite scarce in the UK though we get more in some years than others (they migrate up from southern Europe and Africa).

@GerundTheBehemoth

I photographed this one in Montenegro. They are still quite scarce in the UK though we get more in some years than others (they migrate up from southern Europe and Africa).

Fantastic shot, Gerund! (It looks like a flying fish )

@GiantKitten I've never seen one before and honestly had no idea what it was. I would never have even guessed at a moth. What incredible things though. I'm sure it doesn't actually have anything to do with it but it kind of makes the work we've put into the garden worth while. We just sat and watched it for ages. The picture was difficult, they are so fast.

@GerundTheBehemoth

I photographed this one in Montenegro. They are still quite scarce in the UK though we get more in some years than others (they migrate up from southern Europe and Africa).

That picture is absolutely stunning.

They're such intriguing creatures! I first observed them in Cyprus and initially thought they were humming birds. Amazing, although slightly disconcerting they've reached the UK.

They’re amazing, I saw my first one on my Valerian last year and another this year. A friend sent me a photo of the caterpillar, they’re even more amazing to look at.

I managed to video this one in my sister's garden last summer - even capturing a still from the video can't make its wings less of a blur!

@BatonRouge

They're such intriguing creatures! I first observed them in Cyprus and initially thought they were humming birds. Amazing, although slightly disconcerting they've reached the UK.

@BatonRouge yes, I thought it was a bird at first too! 😄

It’s fabulous to see them in the UK, I’ve had them a couple of times in the garden (Surrey), but saw lots of them on holidays in the Mediterranean. Well done on capturing the photo!