Gallium Sphinx Moth

I was going to have to work hard at getting a hummingbird today as I only saw 3 or 4 in the garden and they were not being cooperative.  And then I saw something in the phlox patch.  Something big, but not quite hummer sized.  I only had my phone on me at the time, so I crept over and grabbed a quick video of it before running into the house for a proper camera.  Happily for me, it stayed in the garden 5 minutes or so, giving me plenty of opportunities.  I have never seen this species before although apparently it is not uncommon in this region.  At one point, one of the hummingbirds buzzed it, apparently not sure what it was.  The hummers are chasing the smaller birds all over the yard now, so I expect it was prepared to launch an aerial attack on the moth.  Anyway, what a delight to find this big, beautiful creature in my garden.  I will put one other shot in Extra, a dorsal view. Note; I initially identified this as a Bedstraw Hawk Moth which is the European name for this species.

We dropped Jax off at the vet this morning, which didn't go well.  Usually he is pretty happy to be just about anywhere but when the tech tried to take him back into the "inner sanctum" he tucked his tail and planted all four feet, clearly frightened.  It took two techs and me to get him to go into the back room.  At that point, I was ready to burst into tears.  It's still, I know, but I hate the thought that he was so scared.  Happily, we can go pick him up in about an hour and they've said he came through very well.  I haven't asked if he has a stitch where they took off the growth on his gum - will do that when we go to get him.  I plan to pamper him to bits tonight.  I've already prepared kibbles soaked in broth and mixed with canned pumpkin for his dinner with enough to also give it to him at breakfast in case his mouth is tender.  And he will gets lots and lots of cuddles tonight.  

Hubs has felt pretty good today although he still needs to be careful when he gets up and walks around.  But moving around also seems to help (not surprising if this is all hip flexor stuff).  And tomorrow he starts PT.  

Plain dark today.

xo
Debbi