Jane Blacker | Arizona Homeowner | August 2021 Digital Newsletter

Vol. 8 Issue 8

All About Hummingbirds Create A Haven

Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska

Shrimp Pasta Salad GoodNes

TRAVEL TIME Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska

HUMMINGBIRD HEAVEN

S

Boasting nearly 40 ice glaciers, Kenai National Park is a beautiful blend of ice, ocean, and mountains. With much of the park only accessible by water, boat tours are an excellent option to explore the Gulf of Alaska, see tidewater glaciers and spot birds and marine life that summer in Kenai. Kayaking the Fjords along the peninsula coast is a physically challenging option to get even closer to the various wildlife in the area. Two public coastal cabins are available for use during the summer season, which can be reserved for up to three nights. If you’re looking for adventure on foot, Exit Glacier provides road access, hiking trails, and rangerled tours. Check the official website for current weather and park conditions.

Source: Nps.Gov/Kefj/Index.htm

ummer is peak viewing time for Arizona’s hummingbirds. These tiny birds migrate north in spring to enjoy weather in various parts of the United States. Lucky for us, Arizona is home to some 12 species of hummingbirds. That’s quite a lot, considering there are only 23 species reportedly known in all of North America. Here are some interesting facts about these petite buzzy birds … and how to get them to visit your yard.

If you’ve never actually seen a hummingbird, it’s no surprise. They are the smallest of all migrating birds and can fly solo for up to 500 miles at a time. Hummingbirds are very small—only about 3 to 4 inches when fully grown. They usually weigh about the same as a penny and their nests are roughly the size of a golf ball. They fly so fast they can be easy to miss. Anna’s Hummingbird can travel up to 61 mph, while most North American hummingbirds’ wings can beat from 50 to 80 flaps per second, making them appear to hover in midair.

Common mountain hummingbirds are the most prevalent in Arizona; among these are the green and gray Anna’s Hummingbird, the Black-chinned Hummingbird with its green back, and the Broad-tailed Hummingbird with its magenta-colored throat. In specific areas, such as Tucson, you might see the purple-throated Costa’s Hummingbird, often found in the desert. Moving to the mountains, birders may sometimes spy a rare White-eared Hummingbird or even a sea-green hued Berylline Hummingbird. Of course, hummingbirds can pop up anywhere unexpectedly, which is why birding is so much fun.

Want to watch these small wonders right in your own yard? Follow these tips: Hummingbirds are very good at seeing bright colors, such as red and orange.

Choose a colorful feeder and fill it with a water and sugar solution. (Don’t use red food coloring as this isn’t good for the birds.) Plant bright native flowering plants nearby to attract the hummingbirds.

Keep your feeder clean and away from other animals and insects. Then sit back and wait for the hummingbirds to find you. They will! Experts say these minute migrants have superb memories and are able to relocate every visited plant and feeder. Get your binoculars ready!

Want to learn more? Visit the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival in Sierra Vista on August 4-7, 2021, and the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival in Tucson, August 11-15, 2021.

LIFEWISE

National Parks Pass S

ummer is the perfect season to hit the road and explore the outdoors. Many of America’s national parks are in peak season during the summer months. Tour all the nation’s recreation areas with the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass – an opportunity for big adventure and big savings.

For just $80, this annual pass gives you entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites throughout the country. That includes the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion and so much more. Each pass can have up to two owners, so you can share use with a significant other, family member or friend of your choosing.

As a bonus, your pass covers entrance fees for you and your passengers in areas that charge per vehicle, or up to four adults where fees are per-person. With entrance fees typically $35 and up, you’re saving a bundle with the annual pass. If you’re not an outdoor person but you know someone who is, consider gifting them a parks pass.

In addition to the National Park Service, passes can be used at The Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corp of Engineers at sites where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged. Your pass does not cover expanded amenity fees for recreational activities such as camping, boat launching and special tours.

You can purchase an annual pass in any of the following ways: • On-site at federal recreation areas • Online at the U.S. Geological Survey website: store.usgs.gov • By phone: 1-888-275-8747 When buying on-site, it’s recommended to call ahead and verify that the location still has passes available. If ordering by phone or online, be sure to plan ahead. Your will receive a physical pass via mail within 5-10 days of purchase. Military personnel are eligible for a free annual pass and discounts are available for seniors aged 62 and up. Passes are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, which means you’ll be covered through next summer, too!

FLAVORFUL

Whether you’re visiting the sparkling waters of Crater Lake in Oregon, driving the scenic routes of Montana’s Glacier National Park or witnessing the wildflowers in bloom in Yellowstone through Wyoming and Montana, you will no doubt make amazing memories and learn more about the diverse landscapes of America. Don’t forget to travel with photo identification, which will be required at park entrances to verify pass ownership.

SHRIMP PASTA SALAD

WITH CILANTRO-LEMON VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS 1 ½ cups 6 tbs ½ lb ½ tsp 1/3 cup 3

Dry rotini pasta Olive oil, divided Raw shrimp, peeled Chicken Flavor Bouillon Chopped onion Cloves of garlic

¼ cup 1 ½ tbs ½ cup ½ cup 2

Chopped fresh cilantro White vinegar Chopped avocado Chopped grape tomatoes Lemon fruit bars, melted, sticks removed

DIRECTIONS Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with bouillon; cook for about 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Place on a plate; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and 2 chopped garlic cloves. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until onion is tender. Remove from heat; stir in cooked shrimp. Combine remaining 3 tablespoons oil, melted fruit bars, cilantro, vinegar and remaining chopped garlic clove. Whisk until well mixed.

Toss all ingreedients to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour and serve cold.

GoodNes.com

J

ane Blacker has been a widely-respected member of the Valley of the Sun real estate industry since 2000. With over 30 years as a real estate professional, her

track record remains spotless-something she attributes to always placing her clients’ interests first, providing unsurpassed service, meticulous attention to detail, and staying abreast of market trends and changes affecting the real estate industry.

Jane joined Russ Lyon Realty Company in March 2001. She achieved a topproducer ranking within two years and continues to be a top producer with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Originally from England, her career in real estate began when she joined a commercial real estate company in London and worked for ten years as the Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner.

Her many community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In 2013 and 2014 Jane was recognized by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been the recipient of two prestigious business volunteer awards.

Jane Blacker REALTOR | SRES

Cell 480.283.3009 Fax 480.624.3711 Jane.Blacker@RussLyon.com Call Jane today if you are thinking about a new home!

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by Prime Source & DLP • 480.921.0511 • PrimeSourceAZ.com

DIGITAL

About Jane