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 or visa waiver. 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.
COUNTRY INFORMATION:There is no U.S. Department of State Country Specific Travel Information for the USA. You can access the UK Government Foreign Travel advice for the USA at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa , and the CIA World Factbook background notes on the United States at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html .
PACE OF THE TOUR: This is a relatively relaxed tour although days will be full, with departures usually around 7:30AM and return to the hotel usually by 5 PM. On a few days we will schedule a one to two hour siesta during the heat of the day. Although we spend much time on foot, our walks are at a leisurely pace and on flat terrain and we will have plenty of time to study the birds we see. There will likely be at least one (optional) night birding expedition and at least two dusk outings to look at parrot roosts and rails. Note that the published WINGS itinerary should be viewed as a general guide. The actual daily itinerary (locations and order) can change due to local birding conditions and the discovery of any special rarities.
HEALTH: South Texas presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher.
Sun: In summer, which extends from April to October, the sun can be intense. A broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and strong sunscreen lotion are important.
Insects and Arachnids: Texas has mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers. 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 that contain natural products and aren’t corrosive.
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 nonsmoker, 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.
CLIMATE: April temperatures can vary from the 50s F (occasionally even 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. All of our hotels offer free WIFI.
FOOD: We’ll eat in a variety of local restaurants where the food will in most cases be American standard. We will however make sure to include good selections of Tex-Mex, BBQ and seafood, all of which are excellent in the valley. Breakfasts are generally taken in our hotels (continental plus), and lunches will be in local or chain sandwich stores or cafes.
WINGS tours are all-inclusive; no refunds can be issued for any missed tour meals. While our restaurants and ground agents make every effort to insure the comfort of all participants, we cannot guarantee that 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, participants with significant food allergies or special dietary needs should bring appropriate foods with them for those times when their needs cannot be accommodated. Our tours are carefully scheduled to insure the best possible birding experience. Meal times can generally not be adjusted; any participant who needs to eat earlier or later than the times scheduled for the group should bring supplemental food. Please contact the WINGS office if you have any questions.
Food Allergies / Requirements: We cannot guarantee that all food allergies can be accommodated at every destination. Participants with significant food allergies or special dietary requirements should bring appropriate foods with them for those times when their needs cannot be met. Announced meal times are always approximate depending on how the day unfolds. Participants who need to eat according to a fixed schedule should bring supplemental food. Please contact the WINGS office if you have any questions.
TRANSPORTATION: We will be traveling by 12 or 15 passenger window van or minivan, depending on the group size. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in tour vehicles.
Updated: 26 April 2016