Global warming_a final proof_hummingbirds spotted at Czech Karst near Karlstein

     Global warming_a final proof_hummingbirds spotted at Czech Karst near Karlstein

This is the final proof to stop the  endless discussion about global warming.   The  hummingbirds that are without any doubt a  typical representative of birds with domicile in  tropical or subtropical countries on the other side of the globe have been spotted and photographed in central part of Czech republic.   This place near the castle Karlstein is known as the Czech Karst and it is also a place with temperatures well above the rest of the country.   This factor plus its proximity to the Prague's airport could lead to a possible explanation of this breaking news.   The world -wide known Czech ornithodologist  Karel Hauptvogel is  rock-solid sure:  "  The hummingbirds are merciless invaders of new territories.  In last few thousands of years they extended their habitat located  originally in central  America to a vast territory ranging  from southern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.   Even the mountains such as Andas are not safe from them.   Is the Czech Karst any worse?! "   Any shadows of doubts Hauptvogel  swiftly rejects:   " The distance? : Quatsch!  There are plenty of records about animals discovered  as  fare dodgers at the airports.  The Prague's airport is no exception.  And from there to Karlstein it makes just  30 km.  No problem for a brave traveller such as hummingbirds."

CORRECTION:

I deeply regret this unfortunate mistake.   Another famous Czech expert entomologist  Pavel Motýlek has commented on the attached picture:   " A nice example of convergent  evolution.   This is a hummingbird hawk-moth  ( Macroglossum stellatarum , Dlouhozobka svízelová ).   It feeds on flowers and their hovering behaviour, long proboscis and the audible humming noise make it look like a hummingbird.  It is nice but quite common."  Off the record he advised Mr Hauptvogel to stay in well ventilated, cool  places for a while and reduce the consumption of  products originating from another famous Czech location : Pilsen.   I do back this recommendation.

Finally: 

I spotted this month last month on my trip to the Czech Karst.   I have tried to make a photo of it but I did not stand a  chance with my handy.   It moved swiftly and did not react on any request to pause for a photoshoot.  Regarding its occurence: Well, maybe it is a common insect but I have a chance to watch it for the second time in my life. OK, maybe common in same places but its behaviour is definitely far from a common one.   And this convergent evolution - whow isn't that  brilliant from our Mother Nature?

No new yamadori spotted this time but it was a great trip spiced with this humming  beauty.  See you next time my little hummingbird ( hawk-month ).

Acknowledgement:

I would like to express my gratitude to the author of attached photo.   You have to wait patiently for the moth to come to the flower  you have selected.   No way to chase them around.