Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Oregon. 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. Canadian citizens should carry proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate.
HEALTH: Oregon presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. High-altitude sun can be intense, making a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and a strong sun block lotion essential. Some of our birding is at elevations of around 7000 to 9000 feet, and while we do not schedule anything even faintly strenuous at these altitudes, anyone with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress. Please consult your physician. We actively look for reptiles but rattlesnakes are very seldom seen. Insects are rarely bothersome, and we will generally be too early for the main mosquito hatch. We recommend sturdy boots of at least ankle height as a safeguard against twisted ankles when walking over uneven terrain.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no particularly long or strenuous walks or hikes on this tour. The longest walks are only moderate in length, and do not climb any substantial heights. Most walking is done on roads and trails, although there will be some over uneven ground and possibly in marshy/dewy grass. We may also have to walk on sloping terrain through open burns to look for woodpeckers. Most mornings will start moderately early, around 6:00 AM. and on most days we will try to schedule one to two hours of free time in the afternoon for rest and relaxation. On a few evenings we plan on owling, making a small flashlight or headlamp handy.
CLIMATE: Oregon in summer has a beautiful, moderate and dry climate, but the weather car vary greatly. Since we’ll be ranging from sea level on the humid coast to more than 7,000 feet in the very dry rain shadow of the Cascades, expect to experience a wide range of temperatures. Though rain is rather unlikely one should be prepared for the unexpected. It can be cool, foggy, and breezy on the outer coast, hot in the inland valleys and with cool nights east of the mountains: we may experience temperatures ranging from 40° to 100° F on the tour, with averages of 50° to 80°F. Be prepared with clothing for cool mornings as well as for summer.
For the pelagic trip, even on a warm, sunny day the air moving across the cold Pacific Ocean can be surprisingly brisk. And given the chance for spray, one should be prepared with waterproof shoes (rubber boots are a good idea) as well as hat (one that won’t blow away), gloves, and wind/waterproof rain jacket and pants.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels and/or lodges throughout the tour.
DRESS: Informal throughout
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 12-15-passenger window vans.
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, 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Oregon 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.
Created: 14 June 2011