General Tour Information
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: The Upper Texas Coast presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. In summer, which begins in April, the sun can be intense. A broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and strong sun screen 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 7-7:30 AM (unless birding from the porch is just too wonderful) and return to the lodge 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.
CLIMATE: April is variable on the Upper Texas Coast. 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: Our hotel in Houston for the first night is a comfortable, standard airport-area motel. Our lodge, where we’ll stay for six nights, is very comfortable. It is located right on the Gulf of Mexico and has a large deck overlooking the water. Each room has a private bathroom. A washer/dryer is available. There is no outside housekeeping during our stay.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 15-passenger window van or mini-van depending on grounp size.
SMOKING: We request that you do not smoke 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.
FINAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Migration Weeks on 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 2007