Parking Nazis

[Peter Burke]

Last weekend I tried twice, unsuccessfully, to see the Slaty-backed Gull at Aurora Rez. I enjoy chasing rarities from time to time, and missing is part of the game, though I am disappointed to have missed a great bird that would have been a lifer...

Anyway, I had heard that there is a $10 entrance fee per car per visit, which is ridiculous, but that's not why I'm writing. My first visit was late Saturday, and when I arrived there was no one at the gate, so I figured I was just lucky. In fact I was decidedly UNLUCKY as the next thing I noticed was a huge flock of gulls departing for some other roost. Crap.

Sunday I arrived  a bit after two o'clock and again the gate house was un-manned. Makes sense. It was Sunday after all. Later, while scanning the gulls up by the dam, I watched the park ranger ticket my car, which is when I learned that there is a SELF SERVE PAY STATION at Aurora Rez. CRAP!

Ok. So getting to the point of this story, in fact it was not a ticket. The Ranger had given me a copy of the rule book and a warning that if I didn't pay on my way out, then I'd be in trouble. This is not how Parking Nazi's operate in my experience. (it is a vulgar term, I know, but earned...believe me!)

Well, I did pay on my way out, lifebirdless but very appreciative for the leniency from the kind and understanding ranger whom I do not include among the previously mentioned group of professionals. Unfortunately for me, I did not have $10, so I was forced to put $20 in the envelope. It's ok, I deserved it, right?

Well, to my astonishment I just received a call from an incredibly well-mannered and thoughtful parking staff professional. He noticed the overpayment and suspected that I likely didn't have the correct amount, and wanted to know if he could send me a refund (!!!)

Are you kidding me!

So. After many, many instances of parking authority abuse, I feel compelled to report this exceptionally kind act.

Thank you Ranger Terry. You are a gentleman and role model!

Good birding,

Peter Burke

Editor, Colorado Birds

Colorado Field Ornithologists

935 11th St. Boulder, CO 80302

(973) 214-0140

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