General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to the Upper Texas Coast. 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-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.
HEALTH: East Texas presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. In summer, which extends from April to October, the sun can be intense. A broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing, and strong sunscreen lotion are essential.
Texas has mosquitoes, ticks, and some chiggers. We recommend using insect repellents with a high concentration of DEET.
PACE OF THE TOUR: This is a relatively relaxed tour. Days will be full, with departures usually around 5:30 to 6 AM and return to the hotel usually by 6 PM, or if we go directly to dinner, 8 PM. Although we spend much time on foot, our walks are at a leisurely pace and on flat terrain so not at all strenuous. Our birding pace will be leisurely as well, and we’ll have plenty of time to study the birds we see.
CLIMATE: April is variable in East Texas. It is often humid and temperatures may rise into the high 80s F or drop into the 40s F after passage of a cold front. Rain occurs periodically with the passage of fronts, but in some years it remains dry.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay at standard motels throughout. A list of hotel addresses and telephone numbers will be sent to participants as part of the final information.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 12- or 15-passenger window van or mini-van, depending on 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. If any location where the group is gathered has a stricter policy than the WINGS policy, the stricter policy will prevail.
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.
FINAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to the Upper Texas Coast 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: June 2008