Traveling to new places and finding native species in those areas is such a welcome sight for photographers like me who appreciate learning about birds that I am unfamiliar with. This one I have ID'd thanks to my Merlin,allaboutbirds.org program. You download the photo, click on the bill, the eye and the tip of the tail and it brings up your bird (hopefully)!This one is the Common Gallinule (which I find to be not-so-common on looks!)His feet have the same coloring as his bill...you can barely see it reflected underwater.  Here is a bit about them:© Gerrit VynThe most widely distributed member of the rail family, the Common Gallinule inhabits marshes and ponds from Canada to Chile, from northern Europe to southern Africa, and across Asia to the Pacific. Vocal and boldly marked, the spec... 04/15/2016

If you’re looking for fun events and worthwhile activities this side of Florida, here are this week’s happenings in the city of Parkland.Feb. 29, Monday, 7:00 p.m.Starting 7:00 p.m, the Florida Atlantic University Arena becomes part of the history of one of the world’s most successful franchises in sports as the Harlem Globetrotters impart their basketball skills and antics in their one-of-a-kind basketball clinique. While there are only few hours left for this show, few seats are still available. You can grab one through http://www.excite.com.Photo lifted from http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com March 1, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.Who says that coloring books are just for kids? Not anymore. The latest trend shows that one of the best stress-relievers of adults these days are coloring books. And... 02/28/2016

Parkland City, a prime destination in the state of Florida, is one of the most active places in the region. The city is vibrating in activities that give residents and visitors a taste of the local flavor. Next week, from February 21 to 24, here are the activities to indulge in.February 21, SundayAn all-day fun awaits families and friends on the third and final day of the Family Fun Fest. Without any amount to be slashed on your pockets for the entrance, you can treat your kids to a dose of rides, foods, and games at the Pine Trails Park. But for $25, a wrist band can be purchased giving you unlimited access to all the rides. For additional information, ring 954-757-4105.If you’re the type who wants to cook food, then let your feet head their way to the Equestrian Center at the Temple P... 02/17/2016

$699,000, 5Bd/4Ba Single Family House, 3989 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 10882 NW 70th Ct, Pompano Beach, FL 33076 Stunning Home in Parkland Isles 5Bd/4Ba Single Family House   $699,000 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 3989 sqft. Bedrooms 5 Beds Bathrooms 4 Baths Floors 2 Parking 3 Garage Lot Size 0.26 Acres HOA/Maint $263 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION Absolutely stunning 5 bedroom, 4 bath plus loft pool home located on lakefront lot in the Estates section of Parkland Isles. Kitchen has 42" cabinets, granite countertops, Sub Zero refrigerator, double oven & stainless steel appliances. Second bedroom on first floor with full bath is perfect for guests! Other features include dual staircases, cr... 01/20/2016

3/2 + 1 CAR GARAGE IN GREAT PARKLAND LOCATION! SPACIOUS CORNER UNIT W/SCREENED BALCONY OFF LIVING ROOM & MASTER BEDROOM. WALK UPSTAIRS TO EXPANSIVE LIVING ROOM & FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH VAULTED CEILINGS, EAT-IN KITCHEN. 2ND FLOOR SPLIT PLAN MASTER BEDROOM WITH WALK-IN CLOSETS & MSTR BATHROOM ONE SIDE & 2 BEDROOMS WITH 1 FULL BATHROOM ON OPPOSITE SIDE. FULL-SIZE WASHER/DRYER, 1ST FLOOR HAS FOYER. PLANTATION SHUTTERS, A/C 5 YRS OLD, HOT WATER TANK 4 YRS OLD, ROOF 12 YEARS. CONDO FEE INCL: WATER, EXTERIOR INSURANCE, COMMUNITY POOL, LAWN, COMMON AREA, ROOF, NO FHA/VA 11/19/2015

$299,900, 3Bd/2Ba Condo, 1584 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 7903 NW 128th Ln, Pompano Beach, FL 33076 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Coach Home in Parkland 3Bd/2Ba Condo   $299,900 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage 1584 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Parking 2 Laundry In Unit HOA/Maint $455 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION Beautiful "coach home" with one car garage located on cul-de-sac! Upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and 42" wood cabinets. Split bedroom plan. Backs to a conservation area which gives ample privacy and fabulous sunset views from the screened balcony. Community features resort style pools, splash park, playgrounds, exercise room, tennis court, guar... 09/18/2015

$299,000, 3Bd/2Ba Condo, 1524 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 8249 NW 128th Ln, Parkland, FL 33076 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Parkland 3Bd/2Ba Condo   $299,000 Year Built 2005 Sq Footage 1524 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Parking 1 Garage Laundry In Unit HOA/Maint $455 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION This "Vacation Home" was hardly ever used and shows like a model! And has never been rented out! Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath coach home in Cypress Pointe. Upgraded kitchen has 42" wood cabinets w/pull outs and granite countertops. Split bedroom plan. Backs to a conservation area which gives ample privacy and fabulous sunset views from the screened balcony. The community features resort ... 08/13/2015

  First in the Series of:Broward County Dog Parks Even though we do not have a dog "yet"-- I've been on the lookout for dog parks in our area! We have what I like to refer to as a "postage stamp" backyard, with zero lot lines. For someone that grew up with nearly an acre of land and woods surrounding her home, in my mind this isn't big enough for a dog to roam around. Before I can commit, I need to know what our area has to offer to raise a happy, healthy dog and how convenient it is to where we live. That made me think that other dog owners who are thinking of moving to our area would like to know what Broward County offers for your four legged family member.The City of Parkland has Barkland Dog Park. It is situated on two acres of land. Features separate areas for small dogs and large... 08/09/2015

If there is one event that is anticipated by foodies in the City of Parkland, it is the opening of the annual Farmers' Market. This 2015, the popular organic market will open on November 1, 2015. Patrons will again be able to purchase vegetables and other organic produces harvested directly from the farms. This once-a-year gathering of farmer-producers and sellers benefit residents of the city who always want to achieve a near-perfect healthy lifestyle. For with the consumption of the organic produces sold at this farmers' market, the consumers are assured that vegetables, fruits, and other products are at their freshest organic state. Aside from the harvests, the Parkland Farmers' Market will also be a venue to purchase baked goodies like breads, cakes, pastries, and the likes. If gour... 08/01/2015

City living won’t be complete at all if not for the presence of various establishments offering food treats to the residents. They come in varied sizes and styles. Some may serve fast foods while others can give a fine-dining experience. In the city of Parkland, varied taste buds will be delighted as it continues to capitalize on the importance of food hubs in developing the local color and flavor. From time to time, we’ll introduce you to some of the city’s food-serving places.The first one is a local breakfast hub which started in Delray before establishing its branch in Parkland.Bagels with Café & Deli7111 N State Rd. 7 Parkland, FL 33067 Phone: (954) 510-0205 Fax: (954) 510-0207Voted by SunSentinel as The Best Bagel, this place is an ideal spot for breakfast. It is known for its poc... 07/31/2015

Food and music are two elements that when fused together can bring a whole new level of appetizing fun and excitement. In Parkland City, this is best exemplified by a local event dubbed as Eats and Beats.This summer, the first staging of this local food and music festival was held last July 25. It featured various food trucks where the residents availed of their favorite foods and beverages while listening to the music brought by The Baron Sisters and The Pitbull of Blues Band.Residents came with their lawn chairs and picnic mats and shared foods and good music with their families and friends. Some came solitary but were indeed lucky to find new friends. There were some who enjoyed being alone and just made company with the flock. To those who missed the July offering, brace yourselves ... 07/27/2015

Broward County Property Appraisers deputies will be available to assist individuals with property tax exemptions and help answer assessment questions in Coconut Creek, FL.Date:  July 27, 2015Location:  Parkland City Hall, 6600 N. University Drive, Parkland, FL 33067Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For All Applicants: Florida Drivers License or Florida I.D. Card AND Broward County Voter Registration or a Declaration of Domicle; AND Social Security numbers of ALL owners. For Resident Aliens:Permanent Resident "Green Card" or proof of asylum, or INS I-485 Letter showing the applications to convert to permanent resident status is complete. Additional Tax Exemptions that are also available Widow/Widower Exemption:Bring Copy of spouse's death certificate, newspaper obituary, or memorial card.Disa... 07/23/2015

$482,500, 4Bd/3Ba Single Family House, 2550 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 10910 NW 64th Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33076 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Islamorada Model on Water 4Bd/3Ba Single Family House   $482,500 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 2550 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 3 Baths Floors 2 Parking 2 Garage Lot Size 10018 Square Feet HOA/Maint $236 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION 4 bedroom, 3 bath Islamorada model with screened pool located on cul-de-sac, waterfront lot in Parkland Isles! This floor plan includes the master bedroom plus another bedroom on the first floor, and 2 bedrooms plus loft on the second floor. Open kitchen with breakfast area overlooking the screened patio and pool. Guard gated ... 07/22/2015

If you have just moved into Parkland, there is a very high possibility that you are not yet familiar with its setting. The places of general interest may still be unknown to you. For you to be at home with the new house you have just purchased, you also need to get acclimatized to the surroundings and thus be in-the-know of the things that can keep you busy there.Rare finds in farmers’ markets.Head over to Ranch Road and indulge yourself to the freshest organic produces which you can utilize in your home kitchen. This is also a foodie’s haven as there are various exhibitors who bring in their own kitchen and oven creations ranging from pies, cookies, cakes, and other sweets. If you are the type who always want flowers to welcome the day, you can be fortunate to find farm fresh flowers h... 07/18/2015

It is not an arguable truth that the City of Parkland is one of the most affluent places in the state of Florida. Many statistics show that both residential and commercial properties of the city are indeed among the most sought after by property buyers. Living in the city has become prominent in many features pages. Until now, especially with the advent of many property-building innovations, a lot of families and businesses consider the city as one of their top choices. If you’re among them, here are quick facts worth adding to your knowledge of the city.1.       Walking around the city’s streets will let you appreciate its park-like settings. The city government is firm with the implementation of zoning laws that protect this unique character.2.       The city of Parkland has many inte... 07/11/2015

5/4 single family home just sold in Parkland Golf & Country Club  This beautiful 5/4 single family home just sold in Parkland Golf & Country Club!  No expenses spared with this Parkland beauty ~ from the Crema Marfil Marble flooring, hand scraped wood flooring, exotic granite, impact windows and doors and not to mention the beautiful marble pool deck that overlooks a breathtaking view of the golf course!The Country Club features a Greg Norman golf course design, tennis courts, a fitness studio, spa, 2 separate pools with an outside grill and bar, a children's interactive water play area and the ultimate dining experience at the Ninety-One.The schools that Parkland residents would attend are Park Trails or Heron Heights Elementary School, West Glades Middle School and Marjory Stoneman Do... 07/09/2015

VERY SPACIOUS OPEN FLOORPLAN, FOYER ENTRY WAY & GARAGE ON 1ST FLOOR, LIVING SPACE ON 2ND FLOOR, BEAUTIFUL GARDEN VIEWS FROM SCREENED-IN BALCONY, LARGEST UNIT IN COMPLEX, HUGE LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM AREAS, PLANTATION SHUTTERS, EAT-IN KITCHEN, MASTER BEDROOM HAS 2 LG WALK-IN CLOSETS, A/C 5 YEARS OLD, HOT WATER HEATER 4 YEARS OLD, ROOF 12 YEARS OLD, PEACEFUL COMMUNITY WITH "A" PARKLAND SCHOOLS, ONE CAR GARAGE, ACROSS THE STREET FROM TERRAMAR PARK. COMMUNITY POOL. 1 PET ALLOWED, NO AGGRESSIVE DOGS.CALL SUSAN PENN, EWM, LISTING AGENT 954-557-5993 FOR SHOWINGS 06/21/2015

$445,000, 4Bd/3Ba Single Family House, 2145 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 6283 NW 110th Ave, Parkland, FL 33076 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Key Largo Model in Parkland Isles 4Bd/3Ba Single Family House   $445,000 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 2145 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 3 Baths Floors 1 Parking 2 Garage Lot Size 7405 Square Feet HOA/Maint $236 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION This 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath Key Largo model in Parkland Isles is located on an amazing lot with water on two sides! Open kitchen w/42" wood cabinets, granite countertops & newer stainless steel appliances. Master bath with large roman tub & granite counters. Great water views from the living room, master bedroom, kitchen & famil... 04/07/2015

$398,500, 3Bd/2Ba Condo, 1663 sqft.    Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 7592 Old Thyme Ct Apt #10A, Pompano Beach, FL 33076 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Coach Home in Parkland Golf and Country Club 3Bd/2Ba Condo   $398,500 Year Built 2004 Sq Footage 1663 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Floors 1 Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit HOA/Maint $1,158 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION Caseras 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Coach Home in Parkland Golf & Country Club. Beautiful open kitchen with granite countertops. Open living area perfect for entertaining. Split bedroom plan. Oversized screened patio and Hurricane Impact Windows. Country Club with 3 pools, spa, fitness center, tennis, and restaurants. Golf membership available.... 04/07/2015

$550,000, 4Bd/3.5Ba Single Family House, 2815 sqft.     Jon Klein | Real Living 1st Choice Realty | 954-415-5595jon@jonklein.com | 10876 NW 66th Ct, Pompano Beach, FL 33076 4 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bath Pool & Water 4Bd/3.5Ba Single Family House   $550,000 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 2815 sqft. Bedrooms 4 Beds Bathrooms 3.5 Baths Floors 1 Parking 3 Garage Lot Size 0.27 Acres HOA/Maint $236 Virtual Tour tour.circlepix.co... Website home.jonklein.com... DESCRIPTION Fabulous lake view in Parkland Isles Bayside Estates! This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath pool home features a large eat in kitchen with 42" cabinets & double oven, Butler's pantry with wine cooler, formal dining room, split floor plan, and hurricane shutters. Guard gated community with clubhouse, tennis, basketball, exercise room, heated pool ... 03/09/2015