General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Colorado. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they took this tour. Although we do our best to make sure 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: Colorado presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. In summer, from June to September, the high-altitude sun can be intense, making a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and a strong sun block lotion essential. Some of our time will be spent at elevations of up to 14,000 feet, and while we do not schedule anything strenuous at these altitudes, anyone with a history of cardio-vascular or respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no long or particularly strenuous walks or hikes on this tour. Most walking is done on roadsides or trails though we may wander off into a meadow from time to time. We are likely to encounter some uneven or rocky ground, thus having sturdy footgear is important. On a couple of occasions we will be at elevations over 10,000 feet. The walking here will be slow, but participants with medical conditions that may be affected by high altitudes should plan accordingly. Most mornings will start early, usually at 6:30 AM, given the fact that summer bird activity is greatest in the early morning. Our main focus will shift to butterflies later in the day as it warms up. Most days in the field should wrap up by about 5:00 PM.
We should note that this tour has a fair amount of driving.
CLIMATE: Colorado experiences a wide range of weather conditions. It can be quite cold at high elevation and very hot in the more level areas; we may experience temperatures ranging from 30° to 95° F. on the tour. Rain is unlikely except for an afternoon thundershower in the mountains or on the plains.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels and/or lodges throughout the tour.
DRESS: Informal throughout.
TRANSPORTATION: We will be traveling by 15-passenger window van or minivan, depending on the group size.
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the General Information & 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 Southwest Colorado 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: February 2008