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. The sun can be intense — a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and strong sun screen lotion are essential. South Texas has mosquitoes, ticks, and more troublesome still, chiggers. Although insects seldom present a problem in winter, we recommend using insect repellents.
PACE OF THE TOUR: This is a relatively relaxed tour. Days will be full, with departures usually around 7 AM and return to the hotel usually by 5 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. The boat trip to see the Whooping Cranes is on protected inland waters and is rarely rough. There will be at least one (optional) night birding expedition and two dusk outings to look at parrot roosts.
CLIMATE: Mid-winter temperatures can vary from the 40s F (occasionally the upper 30s) to the upper 70s or 80s during the day. Temperatures will be a bit chillier upon the water. Rain and wind is possible anywhere.
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.
DRESS: Dress is informal throughout.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 12 or15-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.
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 Wintert Tours to South Texas 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