Hi Everyone,

[Important note about parking at Hoopers. My post later will cover the rest of the day birding Worcester/Somerset with Mikey Lutmerding. Until then, I need to at least pass on that we had a probable adult Arctic Tern roosting on Skimmer Island. Mikey captured our notes and did a sketch, but they might be all we have. We're not sure the couple partially blocked photos Mikey took will be diagnostic. More on that later.] 

Short summary: If you park in the large parking lots by Hooper's - even far away from other cars - the owner of Hoopers would like you to stop in and ask permission. If the restaurant isn't open, you can skip this step. Otherwise, please ensure you stop in. This is a key access that we want to preserve, and one of many we can keep by honoring this simple request.

Nearly everyone on this list has spent time scanning Skimmer Island in Ocean City. A majority of viewers have occasionally, if not always, parked in the large parking lots just west of the bridge, which are owned by Hooper's Crab House (http://www.hooperscrabhouse.com/). 

I had heard from several birders that they had been questioned or chastised about using the parking lot in the last year or so, but yesterday was my first time. Our policy has been to park well back in the overflow parking lot to ensure we were not competing with customers for parking. 

While running back for my camera, someone yelled "Hey" to me, and when I turned, followed with "You know this isn't public parking..."

Having prepared for this possibility, I stopped what I was doing, walked over, shook hands, and introduced myself. I explained that I have asked permission several times, including when I've gone in for dinner on a number of occasions. I told him that it had been generally assumed that we could use the parking lots if we stayed well out of the way. At first he seemed quite frustrated and skeptical. I continued that we appreciate the access and many of us are regular patrons of the restaurant. I was also able to tell him that I had twice given the restaurant free advertising in Maryland travel sections in the national Audubon magazine (which is true).  Between being polite and emphasizing our support of the restaurant, the mood became more comfortable. 

His request is that any visiting birder check in at the guest reception area of the restaurant. If they are not open, you can skip this step, of course, but please respect this wish to ensure continued access and goodwill. This will take a minute or two, but it is reasonable. This arrangement has worked very smoothly at Castaways and many other sites. While there, of course, being friendly and polite will only continue to ensure a positive reception. 

I acknowledge that the sidewalk and bridge are public, so if you park on the road or elsewhere off the Hooper's property, this would not apply.

Maintaining access to our best sites is all of our responsibility. I hope we can self-police on this one. 

Thanks!

Bill


Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com