General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Oregon. 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-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. You can locate the nearest U.S.Embassy or Consulate here. Canadian citizens should carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate.
HEALTH: Oregon presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. High-altitude sun can be intense, making a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and a strong sun block lotion essential. Some of our birding is at elevations of 5000 to 7000 feet, and while we do not schedule anything even faintly strenuous at these altitudes, anyone with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress. Please consult your physician. We actively look for reptiles but rattlesnakes are very seldom seen. Insects are rarely bothersome, and we will generally be too early for the main mosquito hatch. We recommend sturdy boots of at least ankle height as a safeguard against twisted ankles when walking over uneven terrain.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no particularly long or strenuous walks or hikes on this tour. The longest walks are only moderate in length, and do not climb any substantial heights. Most walking is done on roads and trails, although there will be some over uneven ground and possibly in marshy/dewy grass. We may also have to walk on sloping terrain through open burns to look for woodpeckers. Most mornings will start moderately early, around 6:00 AM. and on most days we will try to schedule one to two hours of free time in the afternoon for rest and relaxation. On a couple evenings there will be owling expeditions, which are optional.
CLIMATE: Since we’ll be ranging from sea level on the humid coast to more than 7000 feet in the very dry rain shadow of the Cascades, we will experience a wide range of weather conditions. It can be quite cold at night high in the mountains, cool, foggy and breezy on the outer coast, and hot in the inland valleys: we may experience temperatures ranging from 30° to 100° F on the tour, with averages ranging 55° to 80°F.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels and/or lodges throughout the tour.
DRESS: Informal throughout
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 12-15-passenger window vans.
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibitd 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 WINGS 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 Oregon 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.
Updated: August 2007