Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for this tour. 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. Consult your nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for details.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no particularly long or strenuous walks or hikes on this tour; the longest may two miles round trip. Most walking is done on roads and trails, although there will be some over uneven ground and possibly in marshy/dewy grass. Most mornings will start around 6:00 a.m., but there may be a few earlier starts. On many days we’ll schedule free time in the early afternoon; we rest when the birds do. On a few evenings we’ll plan on owling, (where a small personal flashlight or headlamp will be handy).
HEALTH: Oregon presents no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered.
Elevation: Some of our birding is at elevations of around 7000 feet (one day up to 9000 feet), and while we do not schedule anything even faintly strenuous at these altitudes, anyone with a history of cardiovascular or respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress. Please consult your physician.
Sun: High-altitude sun can be intense; a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and a strong sun block lotion are essential.
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.
Sea Sickness: Those participating in the pre-tour pelagic should be prepared at a minimum for big swells.
Miscellaneous: We actively look for reptiles but rattlesnakes are seldom seen. Insects are rarely bothersome, though mosquitoes may be locally numerous towards the end of the tour, varying from year to year. We recommend sturdy boots of at least ankle height as a safeguard against twisted ankles when walking over uneven terrain. A walking stick is recommended for anyone with balance problems or weak knees. Finally, participants should bring an adequate supply of any personal medications as they may be difficult to obtain during the tour.
CLIMATE: Oregon in summer has a beautiful, moderate and dry climate, but weather can vary greatly. Since we’ll be ranging from sea level on the humid coast to more than 7000 feet in the very dry rain shadow of the Cascades, expect a wide range in temperatures. Though rain is unlikely, one should be prepared for the unexpected. It could be cool, foggy and breezy on the outer coast, hot in the inland valleys, and with cool nights east of the mountains: we may experience temperatures ranging from 32° to 100° F on the tour, with averages ranging 50° to 80°F.
Our Pelagic: For the pelagic trip, even on a warm, sunny day, the air moving across the cold Pacific Ocean can be surprisingly brisk. Given the chance for spray, one should be prepared with waterproof shoes (rubber boots with good traction are ideal) as well as hat (one that won’t blow away), gloves, and wind/waterproof rain jacket and pants.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We’ll be staying at standard, comfortable motels and/or lodges throughout the tour. Two of our hotels have indoor swimming pools; all have wireless internet.
FOOD: Food will be North American standard with a chance of good seafood along the coast,
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: With the exception of our pelagic trip (see below) 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.
Our pelagic boat (on the pre-tour extension) will be either 50 or 55 feet long, with a capacity of at least 30 passengers; our group will be a minority among those aboard as the trip is open to the public. There will be at least one toilet, and we’ll bring our own food and drink.
Updated: 14 October 2016