What was almost certainly seen was a sphinx moth. These
day moths can be remarkably hummingbird-like. In fact,
one species that occurs on the west coast is called the
Hummingbird Clear-wing:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/moths/OR/1063.htm

Have a look at:
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/moths/WA/toc.htm
There are some nice photos of moths at this site, though the
"Washington List" is probably incomplete.

Port Townsend Marine Science Center wrote:
>
> Tweeters,
> A local resident, without access to a computer, called today to ask if I
> would post this query on Tweeters:
> On April 24th he & his spouse sighted, in mid-day sunlight in the North
> Beach area of Port Townsend, a bumblebee sized hummingbird,
> brownish-yellow/tawny in color which was not, if at all, very much larger
> than 3/4 of an inch. Upon questioning he stated that it moved & acted
> exactly a hummingbird does, hovering & darting & poking into flowers. I
> gave him my word that I would post this & respectfully await any ideas other
> than that he seriously mistook a bumblebee for a hummingbird. He has tried
> to ID this creature but has not been able to find a clue. I will forward
> any thoughts on to our technology challenged friend.
> Regards,
> Peter Badame
> Port Townsend Marine Science Center
> 532 Battery Way
> Port Townsend, WA 98368
>
> (360) 385-5582
> (360) 385-7248 fax

--
Mike Patterson Alas, to wear the mantle of Galileo,
Astoria, OR it is not enough to be persecuted
celata at pacifier.com by an unkind establishment,
you must also be right.
---Robert Park
http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/bird.html