Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to California. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING THE UNITED STATES: Non-United States citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. Consult your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for details. Canadian citizens should carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate.
HEALTH: Although California presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher, there are several factors to be considered. On this Southern California tour, we will not exceed 7,500’ in elevation. Insects are generally not a problem, but may be locally present at or near the Salton Sea, and possibly elsewhere. Mammals, reptiles and other creatures do not constitute a hazard and we actively search for them during the trip. The California sun can be intense, particularly in the south, on the water, and at high elevations; adequate skin protection is essential. In the desert one could have a nasty encounter with cactus if not watchful. Finally, the Pacific is often not smooth and participants should bring their preferred motion sickness medication for the pelagic trips.
CLIMATE: California weather is extremely variable. Temperatures of 110°F may occur in early fall in the southeast but you must also be prepared for cool/cold mornings along the coast. Rain and wind are unlikely except as local thundershowers in the desert.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels during the trip.
PACE OF TOUR: This is a moderately difficult tour with some long days and some pre-dawn starts. The early starts result because of the heat in southeastern California and also because of our ornithological targets. There is some hiking, but none of the walks are strenuous.
DRESS: Dress will be informal throughout.
TRANSPORTATION: Depending on group size, we will be traveling by 15-passenger window van or minivan driven by the leader(s).
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group.
If any lodge, accommodation, or location where the group is staying or is gathered has a more restrictive smoking policy than the WINGS policy, the more restrictive policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the General Information and Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Southern California will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Updated: October 2011