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WINGS Birding Tours – Information

New Jersey: Cape May

Tour Information

Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to New Jersey. 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-US citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. Consult your nearest US Embassy or consulate for details. All participants must carry some form of photo ID for boarding the Cape May - Lewes ferry.

HEALTH: Birdwatching in New Jersey and Delaware poses no major health hazards. Though their numbers will have decreased greatly by late September, mosquitoes are likely in the more sheltered wooded areas, and biting flies may be present in the saltmarshes. Ticks in this area are known to carry Lyme disease and other potentially serious diseases; precautions are in order.

PACE OF THE TOUR: Early mornings in search of dawn migrants should be expected every day, but some morning starts may be later, depending on overnight weather. Birding will typically end before dark, though we may devote a windless evening to owling. We’ll probably be walking a total of a few miles every day, but always at a slow pace, and the terrain is entirely level. 

CLIMATE: Fall weather in southern New Jersey and Delaware is usually pleasant, with mornings in the 50s or 60s F and daytime temperatures rarely higher than the 70s. Breezy, partly cloudy weather is the norm. Those very sensitive to the sun should be prepared with the appropriate hat and effective sunscreen. Rain and wind are possible, so raingear is highly recommended.

ACCOMMODATION: Standard motels throughout.

DRESS: Informal throughout.

TRANSPORT: Travel will be in a fifteen-passenger window van driven by the leader.

SMOKING: We request that you not smoke in vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklist sessions, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. 

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the 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. If you don’t have access to the WINGS website, please ask the WINGS office to send you a copy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to New Jersey and Delaware will be sent to each registrant on receipt of 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: 30 June 2013