Please help id this hornet or wasp

Taken last week in North Georgia, at Bent Tree, Jasper, GA.

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It is neither a hornet or wasp, but a fly! it is a member of the Syrphidae, or Hover Flies. This looks like the one I became familiar with in Kentucky. The locals there called it a "News Bee" because it would hover near you, buzzing loudly," telling you the news."
These guys are perfectly harmless, and do not sting or bite. Some species mimic wasps so closely that they'll hold their dark forelimbs up to their head and wave them like a wasp's antennae. Impress your friends by boldly scooping this "wasp" up in your bare hands!