Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Texas. 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: US citizens should carry some form of identification on this tour, preferably a passport. 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 but certain factors must be considered. The sun can be intense—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 in winter, we recommend using insect repellents.
PACE OF THE TOUR: This is a relatively relaxed tour. Days will be full, with departure usually between 6:30 and 8:00 am and return to the hotel usually by 5:00 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. The boat trip to see the Whooping Cranes is on protected inland waters and is rarely rough. On some evenings we’ll probably proceed directly from dinner to the field in order to maximize our birding time at a few choice locations.
CLIMATE: Mid-winter temperatures can vary from the 40s F (occasionally the upper 30s) to the upper 70s or 80s during the day. Temperatures will be a bit chillier on the water. Rain and wind are possible anywhere.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We stay at standard motels throughout. A list of hotel addresses and telephone numbers will be sent to participants as part of the final information.
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: Informal throughout.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is by 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, 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, the 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 Winter 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: February 2010