General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Arizona. 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. You must be a U.S resident and have a government-issued picture ID in order to enter Fort Huachuca (the US Army base in Sierra Vista, AZ, and a half-day stop on the tour); suitable alternative birding will be provided for any participants denied access to Fort Huachuca.
HEALTH: Arizona presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher, but certain factors must be considered. Winter sun is powerful and deserves respect, while early-morning temperatures can be close to freezing. Desert vegetation also demands respect. The most common injuries result from thorns or spines penetrating light-weight canvas shoes; we recommend tough canvas or leather shoes of at least ankle height and tough trousers as the best safeguards.
PACE OF THE TOUR: Due to the relatively short days in February, we spend a large percentage of our daylight hours birding. Most mornings do not start until a 6AM breakfast, although one or two mornings may begin slightly earlier than that. On one or two evenings there is optional owling, completed by 9PM. Almost all walking is of short duration. On one day (at least) we’ll chase after sparrows and pipits in the undulating grasslands near Sonoita, and there is the possibility of a hike, with only a gentle climb, up a canyon if an unexpected rare bird is reported.
CLIMATE: In February, daytime highs range around 55-75°F, with nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s. It can be colder at high elevations, and it is always possible to experience days with maximum temperatures of 15° above or below these figures. Be prepared for early morning temperatures around freezing or just below. Rain is infrequent, but storms are possible throughout. Snow is possible above 6,000 feet.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We’ll stay at a working ranch near Sonoita. It’s a lovely place with private rooms and baths for all, a huge living room with fireplace, a fully functioning kitchen, and marvelous views all around.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 15- or 12-passenger window vans.
SMOKING: Smoking is prohibited whenever the group is gathered for birding, meals, checklists, etc. Surrounded by fragile grassland, our accommodation on this tour is strictly non-smoking, inside and outside.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the General Information and Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for A Winter Week in Southeastern Arizona will be mailed to each registrant on receipt of booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed to all registrants about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Updated: July 2008