General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Texas. 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: Texas presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. In summer, which extends from March to October, the sun can be intense. A broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and strong sun screen lotion are essential.
Much of our birding in West Texas is at elevations between 4000 and 6500 feet, where even people in good physical condition may be left breathless by hard exertion. With the exception of the Boot Spring and Blue Creek Canyon hikes, we do not schedule anything even faintly strenuous at these altitudes but anyone with a circulatory or respiratory problem should consult their doctor. The climb to Boot Spring (in Big Bend National Park) for the Colima Warbler is lengthy (about 9.5 miles, round trip) but we allow plenty of time for it and go slowly. It may be possible to see the Colima Warbler without making the whole hike to Boot Spring. Participants with bad hearts, or with back, hip, knee or ankle problems may elect to take this shorter hike; choosing this option may mean having to return to the lodge without the leader if it is a one-leader tour. The Blue Creek hike (at 4000’; a 4.6 miles round trip, but mostly level) for Lucifer Hummingbird, Gray Vireo and Varied Bunting is moderately strenuous.
Texas has mosquitoes and ticks. Repellants are effective.
CLIMATE: Spring is variable. Temperatures rise steadily from March through June with rain being mainly confimed to the coast (and perhaps in the hill country). April and May temperatures can range from the 40s F. in the Davis Mountains to over 100° F. (May).
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay at standard motels throughout except for Neal’s Lodge in Concan where we stay in rustic and simple cabins. A list of hotel addresses and telephone numbers will be sent to participants as part of the final information.
MEALS: At Neal’s Lodges in Concan, we order off the menu. Several dinner are offered per night. Vegetarians should alert the WINGS office well in advance so that we can let Neal’s know. Elsewhere on the tour, we will eat in area restaurants. Lunchs are usually field picnics. At Big Bend, we have breakfasts in our rooms as the dining room at the Lodge doesn’t open until 7 AM.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 15-passenger window van or mini-van depending on grounp 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 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 Texas: The Edwards Plateau, Big Bend and the Davis Mountains 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