Many visitors are shocked to learn that we have at least one, and more recently, two hummingbird species that visit Alaska each summer. On more than one occasion I have seen a hummingbird buzz up to an unsuspecting cruise ship passenger wearing a lot of red to be dutifully inspected for potential pollination. They quickly buzz off the ship when they learn that they are in the wrong place, but for a brief moment, it adds a splash of natural color and sound to an otherwise, unnatural environment. Here we see a rufous hummingbird in among the fireweed. These birds spend much of the long Alaskan days in the summers feeding on insects and nectar to fuel a body that is in constant need of energy. Photographer: Sean Neilson