The Hummingbird hawk-moths of Canons Ashby

A visit to Canons Ashby House and Priory Church (National Trust) on Sunday 9th August 2026 provided a great opportunity to photograph numerous Hummingbird hawk-moths (Macroglossum stellatarum) that were feeding on Verbena bonariensis and Ceratostigma willmottianum in the gardens at the front of the house. It was great to see so many 'Hummers' zipping around the grounds, but the best show was in the flower border at the front of the house. Despite weeks of scorching sun and little to no rain, the Verbena and Ceratostigma were providing the perfect nectar station for these once-long-distance migrants.

A Childhood Treat
As a child, seeing just one Hummingbird hawk-moth in a year was a real treat, usually something only seen during holidays with family on the south coast. As climate change takes hold, more and more of these aerial acrobats are being seen in parks, gardens and nature reserves. Rather than being regular migrants, crossing the English Channel from mainland Europe (France, Belgium and Holland) to southern and south-eastern Britain, they are now becoming firmly established and a resident breeding species, certainly as far north as the Midlands.

Increasing Numbers
This year, I have seen Hummers in many locations since early spring. Often, these observations are of high-speed fly-bys along woodland rides (blink, and you miss it) where good nectar sources occur. They can, however, sometimes be seen at close quarters and in good numbers. This certainly was the case today, with in excess of 30 individuals seen throughout the day at Canons Ashby.

A sign of Climate Change?
The female Hummingbird hawk-moth lays her eggs on various species of Bedstraw (Galium), which can be common on well-managed grasslands, heaths and dunes. With climate change and longer, hotter spring and summer months, the opportunity for this species to breed and naturally establish colonies here in the UK is increasing, allowing overwintering adult moths to breed in the spring and subsequent generations to continue breeding as long as the weather permits. This growing, locally born population is bolstered by yet more migrants crossing the English Channel throughout the summer.

Visiting Canons Ashby
Located near Daventry, Northamptonshire, this wonderful Tudor manor house has terraced gardens and an excellent tea room located in the former stables. All that remains of the 13th-century priory is the Church of St. Mary’s, located nearby. For more information, visit the National Trust website.