Puerto Rico

ENTERING THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & PUERTO RICO:     A valid passport is needed to enter the Dominican Republic.  All tourist travellerstravelers to the DR are required to pay for a tourist visa (USD$10) upon arrival.  The tourist visa fee is paid before clearing customs once you have disembarked at the airport.  Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need visas, but those of other countries should check entry requirements. 

 

Puerto Rico is a United States territory, with no special entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  Your passport, as a general rule, should be valid for at least six months after the date the tour ends.  It is always a good idea to take photocopies of your passport and air ticket with you when traveling abroad.  They can prove invaluable in helping you get replacements if your original documents are lost or stolen.  You should pack the photocopies separately from the originals.  Travelers from outside the U.S. will need a valid passport and will have to clear US customs and immigration either enroute to Puerto Rico or upon arrival.. The WINGS office will supply you with photocopies of your eTicket to Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic. Please make sure to bring this document with you, as you may be required to show it when entering the Dominican Republic.

 

Citizens of other countries may need a visa and should check their nearest Dominican Republic embassy. If required by the embassy or visa-granting entity, WINGS can provide a letter for you to use regarding your participation in the tour.

 

ARRIVAL DATE:  While the tour starts with dinner in the evening of Day 1 of the tour, you may be tempted by convenient flights arriving in Santo DomingoSan Juan from the US late in the evening.  If you elect to arrive late in the evening of Day 1, we want you to be aware that the birding day will start very early on Day 2; you may only get a few hours’ sleep that night.  If you can’t arrive before early evening, you may want to consider arriving a day early; we would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.  You may consider arriving one day early, because after the first morning’s birding we are several hours from Santo Domingo, and participants will be responsible for  their own travel to reconvene with the group.

  Note — it is necessary to pay US$10.00 for a tourist visa in DR.   We need to state this in the information at some point.  We should check prior to 2006 regarding requirements for Brits to enter, e.g. fingerprinting, etc. 

 

HEALTH:   Malaria exists in the Dominican Republic, including the areas bordering Haiti, where we will visit.  The Centers for Disease Control currently recommend taking chloroquine as a prophylaxis.  The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking.  Please consult with your physician or local health department about advisories for travel to the Dominican Republic. 

Malaria and other tropical parasites are not an issue in Puerto Rico, and on the tour we typically encounter few biting insects. 

It is also however a good idea generally to have current tetanus and typhoid inoculations.  Specialized medications may be difficult to obtain locally and we advise bringing all you will need with you.  The highest elevation we visit is just over 6,000 feet above sea level.  Biting insects may be present in a few locations, but birding is relatively nuisance-free.  Note: We recommend using insect repellents with a high concentration of DEET.   However, care must be taken to avoid getting the DEET repellent on optical equipment as DEET dissolves rubber and plastic and can damage coated lenses.  Camping supply stores and outfitters carry some reasonably effective alternatives, which contain natural products and aren’t corrosive.

 

Products containing tick- and chigger-repelling chemicals are particularly effective. Camping supply stores sell such a product containing permethrin 0.5%, which must be applied directly to clothing in advance of wearing and allowed to dry. This non-staining, odorless chemical is non-toxic to humans and protective on clothing through several launderings.

 

 

For further information on health advisories for The Dominican Republic & Puerto Rico, we refer you to the CDC’s Travel Health Home Page on the Web:   http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm 

 

LANGUAGE:  Spanish is the official language in the Dominican Republic.  Very few people speak English.  Spanish is also the principal language of Puerto Rico, but English is more widely spoken there.

 

PACE OF THE TOUR:  TThe pace of this tour is typically relaxed, with start times between 6:30 and 7:00am, and some down time on some afternoons. here will be several very early starts with long drives (2 - 3 hours) due to the distance of our hotels from binrding sites, especially in the Dominican Republic.  MostMany daysmeals will be spent in the field with early or picnic breakfasts and picnic lunches, returning to the hotel between 6 and 7 p.m.before dinner.  There will be at least one after dinner excursion for nightbirds .  The elevations are minimal, and trails are smooth and straightforward. (occasionally after dark if we are looking for night birds).    Walking can vary from easy to difficult.  There will be some walks that involve walking on rocky roads on gradual inclines for 2 – 3 hours.  Much of the birding is along roadsides.  We offer an optional walk to look for Ridgway’s Hawk that may total 2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 800 feet. Since this walk takes place near sea level, it is only moderately difficult.

 

 

FOOD:  WINGS tours are all-inclusive, and with the exception of WINGS tours to destinations in the US, no refunds can be issued for any tour meals participants choose to skip. While our restaurants and ground agents make every effort to insure the comfort of all participants, please note that not all food allergies can be accommodated at every destination. Many restaurants offer set menus and are unable to accommodate all special requests within a group. Thus, clients with significant food allergies or special dietary needs should bring appropriate foods with them for those times when their needs can, regretfully, not be accommodated. Our tours are carefully scheduled to insure the best possible birding experience. Meal times can generally not be adjusted; any participants who need to eat earlier or later than the times scheduled for the group should bring supplemental food with them.

 

LANGUAGE:  Spanish is the officialprinciple language in the Dominican Republic.  Very few people speak English.  Spanish is also the principal language of Puerto Rico, but English is more widely spoken there, especially in the metropolitan area.

 

CURRENCY:  The local currency in Puerto Rico is the the Dominican Republic is the peso.  As of January MayNovemberAugust  200468, the exchange rate was about 36 46 335 28pesos to the US dollar.  NEED TO EDIT THIS TO REFLECT 200-6 EXCHANGE RATES NEED TO EDIT THIS TO REFLECT 2005 EXCHANGE. 

You can phone your bank or check the following web site to find out the current exchange rate: <http://quote.yahoo.com/m3?u>. 

In Puerto Rico the monetary unit is the U.S. dollar.  We find it easy and quick to change money in the airport in Santo Domingo, D.R., and the exchange rate is typically better than in the hotels.  Credit cards are accepted at the hotels and ATM’s are plentiful.. 

 

CLIMATE:  The days are generally quite warm, and summer clothes are suitable year-round.  Please be prepared for the possibility of cool, damp (or rainy) weather on our two days in the Sierra de Bahoruco, D.R. and perhaps on our two days in the mountains of Puerto Rico.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS:  During the tour we will stay at standard and comfortable hotels.  Our hotel in Barahona, Dominican Republic has only intermittent hot water, and many rooms have electrical plugs  that require a two pin adaptor.  The hotel has some spare adaptors, but personal ones might be useful.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION:  We will be traveling by minibusSUV or van on both islands.  When using 15-passenger window vans, we will take a maximum of eight passengers plus the leader/driver.  Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.

 

ELECTRICITY:  Standard 110 volt AC (same as in the US).

 

DRESS:  Informal throughout.

 

FIELD CLOTHING:  The following items are basic:

 

Sun hat                                                                        Long-sleeved shirts

Comfortable footwear                                                 Lightweight cotton trousers

Canvas shoes/ sandals                                              Lightweight raincoat

Short-sleeved shirts                                                    Short pants (optional)

Swim wear

Sweater or jacket (optional)                                        Folding umbrella (important)

Short pants (optional)

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

 

Binoculars                                                                   Sunscreen lotion

Alarm clock                                                                 Flashlight

Notebook & pencil                                                       Small canteen or water bottle

Small day pack                                                           Insect repellent

Swim wear

 

OPTIONAL:

 

Telescope & tripod                                                      Spare binoculars

Camera & film                                                             Spare eye glasses

 

LEADER’S EQUIPMENT:  The leader will provide the following:

 

Telescope                                                                   Reference books

Daily checklists                                                                       First aid kit

Maps                                                                           Ice chest

 

LUGGAGE:  Bring what you need but consider the utility of each item.  If you have it, please pack soft luggage, as soft luggage is more easily packed into the vehicles.  Our leader(s) will help with luggage if they can, but please do not expect them to carry excessively heavy bags.  Please do not bring any bag that is so heavy that you are unable to lift and carry it yourself.  Please bring two smaller lighter bags rather than one very heavy one.

 

As a reminder, do not pack important medicines in checked luggage; always carry them in your carry-on luggage.  Conversely, remember to pack sharp, pointed items, such as pocket knives, etc., in your checked luggage.

 

As a general rule, in addition to using your WINGS luggage tags, it is a good idea to affix identification to the inside of each piece of luggage.BAGGAGE:  Bring what you need but consider the utility of each item.  Luggage space is limited on the Dominican Republic both segments  of the tour.  Please bear in mind that soft luggage is more easily stored in the vehicles.   Please note that the luggage weight limit for most international flights is 20 kg (44 lbs).  As a general rule, in addition to using your WINGS luggage tags, it is a good idea to affix identification to the inside of each piece of luggage.

 

Since baggage restrictions have been changing rapidly in the current environment, please check your final information for the most up-to-date luggage requirements.  You will receive your final information approximately three weeks before the tour begins.

 

TRANSPORT:  We will travel around both islands by van, driven by either the leader leader and/or our local guide.

 

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 lodge, accommodation or location where the group is staying or is gathered has a more restrictive smoking policy than WINGS’ policy, the more restrictive policy will prevail.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.

 

PHOTOGRAPHY:  Scenery and memory shots will be plentiful and simple to obtain but birds are difficult to photograph.  Although there will be occasions when bird photography is possible, a birdwatching tour is not normally the best means of pursuing this aim.  “Digiscoping,” on the other hand, is perfectly compatible with the tour, though it is recommended you bring your own telescope as the leader’s scope is for group use and we request that you do not use it for digiscoping.!  If you are a serious photographer, please contact us for further information about photographic possibilities.  Bring all your film with you as it may be difficult to find precisely what you need on short notice.  Camera equipment should be packed in moisture- and dust-proof bags, as a precaution. 

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is essential and we insist that you take out suitable coverage as soon as your tour is booked. You may wish to consult your insurance agent regarding coverage.  Please also ensure that your policy covers you in the event of a medical emergency, cancellation of a trip or severe delays.  Medical costs abroad can often be extremely expensive.  Please note that WINGS and Sunbird are not liable for any medical or repatriation costs resulting from injury or illness during a tour or for covering any costs resulting from a flight delay such as extra hotel accommodation.  Please be sure your medical insurance provides adequate coverage outside the United States as you’ll be responsible for your medical expenses in the unlikely event you become ill.  You should also be aware that medicare will not cover medical expenses outside of the United States.  Please note that most travel insurance companies require insurance be purchased no later than the day the initial deposit(s) are sent to the travel company, and please note as well that all policies have fairly restrictive conditions. Travel insurance information is available through most travel agencies, including AAA in the US.

 

Theft is a worldwide problem.  If you are bringing expensive optical equipment or other valuable items, please make sure they are adequately insured, and pack such valuables in your carry on luggage.  You may wish to consult your insurance agent regarding coverage.

INSURANCE: Theft is a world?wide concern. If you are bringing expensive optical equipment or other valuable items, please be sure you have appropriate (replacement) coverage. If in doubt, please seek the advice of your insurance agent. Please be sure your medical insurance provides adequate coverage outside the United States as you’ll be responsible for your medical expenses in the unlikely event you become ill (see below). You may wish to have coverage on your baggage and personal effects as well.INSURANCE:  Theft is a world-wide concern.  If you are bringing expensive optical equipment or other valuable items, please be sure you have the appropriate coverage. If in doubt, seek the advice of your insurance agent.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE: You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance. It’s moderately expensive but it can give welcome protection to those for whom a health-related trip cancellation is a concern. Travel insurance also usually protects you in the event of your falling ill while on the tour (i.e., it will get you back home).  Please note that most travel insurance companies require insurance be purchased no later than the day the initial deposit(s) are sent to the travel company, and please note as well that all policies have fairly restrictive conditions. Travel insurance information is available through most travel agencies, including AAA in the US.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: You may wish to consider purchasing travel insurance. It’s moderately expensive but it can give welcome protection to those for whom a health-related trip cancellation is a concern. Travel insurance also usually protects you in the event of your falling ill while on the tour (i.e., it will get you back home).  Please note that most travel insurance companies require insurance be purchased no later than the day the initial deposit(s) are sent to the travel company, and please note as well that all policies have fairly restrictive conditions. Travel insurance information is available through most travel agencies.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

 

Field Guides:

 

 

Bond, James.  1985.  Birds of the West Indies.  Fifth Edition.  Houghton Mifflin, Boston.  At present the only field guide for the Dominican Republic, also useful in Puerto Rico.

 

 

Keith, Allan and Wiley, James.  2003.  Birds of Hispaniola.  British Ornithologists Union.

 

National Geographic Society.  20022006.  Field Guide to the Birds of North America.  Fourth edition.  National Geographic Society, Washington, DC.  One of the top two field guides for North America, more portable than the Sibley guide. 

 

Raffaele, Herbert A.  1985 (Revised Edition).  A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  Illustrates all species likely to be seen in Puerto Rico, including many we should also see in the Dominican Republic.

Raffaele, Herbert, Wiley, James, et. al.  20033.  Birds of the West Indies.  Princeton University Press.

The recommended Field Guide for the trip!

 

Raffaele, Herbert , Wiley, James, et. al. 1998.   Birds of the West Indies.  Princeton University Press.  This guide contains more comprehensive information and is an excellent reference guide.  However, it is bulkier for field use than the previous recommended guide. 

 

Sibley, David Allen.  2000.  The Sibley Guide to Birds.  Alfred A. Knopf, New York.  Arguably the best North American field guide showing all of North America’s birds that we may encounter on the trip.  Although comprehensive, it’s larger-than-standard-field-guide size makes it difficult to carry into the field. 

 

 

History:

 

Williams, Eric.  1970.  From Columbus to Castro:  The History of the Caribbean 1492-1969.  A comprehensive history of the region.  Well written, but not exactly light reading. 

 

 

OBTAINING BOOKS:  Most of the field guides and the major ornithological references, at least those in print, are available from booksellers specializing in natural history titles.  Some of these are:

 

ABA Sales

115 Fairview Rd

Asheville, NC 28803

(800) 634-7736

abasales@abasales.com

http://www.americanbirding.org/abasales/ABA Sales

PO Box 6599 

Colorado Springs CO  80934

(800) 634-7736

abasales@abasales.com

http://www.americanbirding.org/abasales/

 

Buteo Books                          

3130 Laurel Road

Shipman VA 22971
(800) 722-2460

(434) 263-8671
fax: (434) 263-4842

allen@buteobooks.com

http://www.buteobooks.com/

Los Angeles Audubon Society

7377 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles CA  90046

(888) 522-7428 (toll free)

http://www.laaudubon.org/

Audubon Nature Shop

Tucson Audubon Society

300 E. University Blvd., #120

Tucson AZ  85705

(520) 629-0510

 

http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/

 

 

Powell’s

Toll Free: (800) 291-9676
In Oregon: (503) 228-0540 ext 482

orders@powells.com

http://www.powells.com/

 

Amazon

http://amazon.com