Is that Humming Bird spying on me?

Yes. Yes, that humming bird is spying on you.

Four million dollars have been spent by the US Pentagon on tiny drones mimicking small animals such as the humming bird and various insects - even leaves. AeroVironment, a California based company and leader in the drone-creation business, was hired for the job of creating the pocket-sized crafts. The drones, equipped with audio and video survellience equipment, are just the beginning. Researchers are also trying to figure out ways to implant video and sound recording devices into actual insects undergoing metamorphosis. Kind of makes everyone's favorite Chinese magician's magnet-implanted fish looks like small chickens.

Humming Bird Spy Drone, AP

The spy humming bird prototype unveiled this week has a wingspan of 6.5 inches and weighs less than one AA batteries. It can fly at a speed of up to 11 mph by flapping those wings. The camera is in his cute little belly. It can sit on a surface as thin as a window ledge.

Who will use these drones and spy insects? Apparently, the police and fire fighters. For one thing, they'll be able to use the drones to locate people under collapsed buildings, in fires, etc. Also, soldiers will put them to use to survey buildings or combat areas.

Nothing's made it out of the lab yet. YET.

Two things.
1. Although I do see the value of spy birds and insects (Really? Millions and millions of dollars? Really?), it raises some privacy issues with me - as I'm sure once these things are in the hands of the police force, it will not always be put to good use.
2. Implanting sound and video devices into real, living things is cruel. I already wrote that story - and if people are unhappy with living fish magnets, they'll get upset about this, too.

Wait, 3. I knew that humming bird/bee buzzy thing hovering in my yard was not a real animal!! Does anyone know what the heck that thing is!?

... it's a humming bird moth. Darn.