Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Nebraska. 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. 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: The Platte River region presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher. Staying warm and dry in the changeable weather of an early Nebarska spring is the most important consideration. Even in warm years, biting insects are scarce to non-existent at this season. Wood ticks, however, some of which carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever or other serious illnesses, may be present; they are best avoided by staying on paths and trails and out of tall grass.
Participants should bring an adequate supply of any personal medications as they may be difficult to obtain during the tour.
PACE OF THE TOUR: The tour covers relatively level ground, with much of our birding on roads and wide trails. We will often be out in the field by dawn, which sometimes requires a drive of 30 minutes or more. With the exception of the two early mornings we spend in blinds, we’ll eat breakfast before starting. Lunch will be at fast-food restaurants or cafes. We will generally have a break before dinner to rest and clean up.
ACCOMMODATION: We stay at standard, comfortable motels.
FOOD: Our motel breakfasts are the standard modest buffets. We’ll go out for heartier fare after our dawn excursions to the grouse and craneblinds. Lunches will be at sandwich shops, cafes, or Runza Hut, Nebraska’s delicious contribution to the world of fast food. Our dinner destinations will include local restaurants and steakhouses.
CLIMATE: The Platte region in March experiences a wide range of weather conditions. It can be cold and windy, with temperatures in the 20s and 30s F, but mild, sunny weather with readings from the 50s to 70s F is just as likely. Rain and snow are possible at any time, but rarely last more than a day at this time of year. Be prepared for cool to cold temperatures and wind, and be grateful when it turns out to be pleasant. Our two early mornings in the blinds are likely to be downright cold, and you will want to wear your warmest clothing.
DRESS: Informal throughout.
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. If any location where the group is gathered has a stricter policy than the WINGS policy, that stricter policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS 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, 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 the Platte River 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.
Updated: April 2012