Northern Brown Argus & Hummingbird Hawk-moth

We headed out to Earlsferry this morning to look for Northern Brown Argus on the Rock Rose which went successfully with between 5 and 10 seen in flight and resting.

There were also Small Heaths and Green-veined Whites seen, but biggest surprise of the day was a Hummingbird Hawk-moth which Kenny ran into while trying to get a NBA photo. It did manage to hang around enough for a couple of shaky photo opportunities before departing but it never settled. (It has been suggested that this is an ovipositing female, with the food plant being Lady's Bedstraw. Sounds reasonable)

Also frequently seen were Yellow Shell moths, and at least one Barred Straw amongst them

There were some nice flowers in the area besides the Rock Rose: Wild Thyme, Viper's Bugloss, Lady's Bedstraw, Scarlet Pimpernel, Common Restharrow and more - worth a visit for the flowers alone.