General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to California. 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-United States citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. Consult your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for details. Canadian citizens should carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate.
HEALTH: Although California presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher, there are several factors to be considered. On this tour, we’ll reach the elevation of 9383’ and when we are in the mountains we’ll generally be at elevations from 5000’ to 7000’. On the other hand the Kern Basin is just at 2000’. Insects are not a major problem, but we are likely to encounter pockets of mosquitoes. Mammals, reptiles and other creatures do not constitute a hazard and we actively search for them during the trip. The California sun will be intense, particularly at high elevations; adequate skin protection is essential.
CLIMATE: The weather in the Kern Basin and the southern Sierra will vary greatly. At lower elevations temperatures will exceed 100 degrees, while in the mornings at higher elevations it could be in the low 40’s. It is important to dress in layers. Thundershowers are possible in the Sierra, but usually occur later in the summer. The afternoons can be windy at all elevations.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels during the trip.
PACE OF TOUR: This tour has a few long days and some pre-dawn starts as bird activity and bird song are at their peak in the early morning hours. On most days we’ll have an afternoon break. We do plan at least two evenings of owling. There is some hiking, but none of the walks are strenuous. Since we are at the same motel throughout in Kernville (other than the last night), there is always the option of opting out on a particular outing. All of the birding locations are within an hour and a half of the motel. Some are within 15 minutes.
TRANSPORTATION: We will be traveling by 15-passenger window van or minivan, depending on the group size. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.
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 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to California: The Southern Sierra… 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: July 2008