General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Texas: The Rio Grande Valley in Spring. 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: Texas presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher. The sun can be intense, so a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and strong sun screen lotion are essential. South Texas has mosquitoes, ticks, and more troublesome still, chiggers. Although insects seldom present a problem, we recommend using insect repellents. Fire and harvester ants are widely distributed; the leaders will identify the ants on our first encounter and then remind participants frequently to watch where they stand.
PACE OF THE TOUR: This is a relatively relaxed tour. Days will be full, with departures usually between 6 AM and 7 AM and return to the hotel usually by 5 PM. Although we spend much time on foot, our walks are at a leisurely pace and on flat terrain so not at all strenuous. Our birding pace will be leisurely as well and we’ll have plenty of time to study the birds we see. There will be at least one (optional) night birding expedition and two dusk outings to look at parrot roosts.
CLIMATE: Early April temperatures can vary from the 50s F (occasionally the upper 40s) to the upper 80s or even 90s during the day. Temperatures will be a bit lower near the coast. Wind and rain are possible anywhere.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay at standard motels throughout.
FOOD: Our breakfasts will be taken in the hotels, using their various continental options (including waffles and in some cases eggs and bacon). Lunches and dinners will be taken at standard restaurants, although some of the lunches might be eaten in the field. Dinners will be varied, ranging from simpler country fare in Zapata to upscale dining in McAllen, with emphasis placed on the specialties of the region (Mexican, seafood, steakhouses).
DRESS: Dress is informal throughout.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 12- or15-passenger window van or mini-van depending on group size.
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.
FINAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Spring Tours to South Texas 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: May 2009