Ok I think I just answered my own question, it looks like it was a Hummingbird Clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe).

Such a bummer, I thought I had gotten a rare hummingbird into my garden!

Your post is too cute. I'm no hummingbird expert, and like you I have only recently caught the bug but you have come to the right place! I assure you, if you have planted a hummingbird paradise, as it sounds as though you have, you will most assuredly see them.

I just read your profile, or what ever it is called, you HAVE caught the bug!! I live in Florida, and I can't believe the number of people who have been here for years and have never seen one. I've never heard that about Virginia, I also lived there for about five years while hubby was stationed at Quantico and although I miss so much about our time there, I don't miss the commute into DC or the winters. I do miss the fall colors though.

Hang in there, you are off to an extraordinary start!

I think you are right -- it was probably a hummingbird moth you saw. You probably have hummingbirds visiting your garden already, but you just haven't seen them. They don't hang around very long and since here in the Maryland/Virginia area we do not get large numbers of hummers it is not so easy to see one.

The first time I spotted a hummer in my yard was when I was watering my flowers. Evidently the hummer wanted a drink too.

Richard

Yes it more than likely was a Humming bird Moth, I bet it was in the Evening. But hang in there It's just a matter of time.

Yeap just a matter of time. If you planted the flowers they will come.