General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Colorado and Utah. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they took this tour. Although we do our best to make sure 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-United States citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa. 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.
HEALTH: Colorado and Utah present no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher but certain factors must be considered. From June to September, the high-altitude sun can be intense, making a broad-brimmed hat, proper clothing and a strong sun block lotion essential. Much of our birding is at elevations of 5,000 to 11,000 feet, and while we do not schedule anything strenuous at these altitudes, anyone with a history of cardio-vascular or respiratory problems should be aware of the altitudinal stress. Please consult your physician.
PACE OF THE TOUR: There are no long or particularly strenuous walks or hikes on this tour. The longest walks are only moderate in length, and such are rare and do not climb any substantial heights. Most walking is done on roads and trails, although there will be some over uneven ground. On two occasions we will search for ptarmigan and rosy-finches at elevations over 11,000 feet; in the Uintas this may involve a hike of about one third of a mile up a steep, rocky trail. The walking here will be slow, but participants with medical conditions that may be affected by high altitudes should plan accordingly. Most mornings will start early, between 5:00 and 5:30 AM, given the fact that summer bird activity is greatest in the early morning. A couple of the early-morning expeditions will be optional, but most are not. On most days we will try to schedule one to two hours of free time in the afternoon for rest and relaxation. On several evenings there will be owling expeditions, which are optional.
CLIMATE: Colorado and Utah experience a wide range of weather conditions. It can be quite cold high in the Rockies and very hot in the more level east and in the west: We may experience temperatures ranging from 30° to 100° F. on the tour. Rain is normally unlikely except for an afternoon thundershower in the mountains or on the plains.
ACCOMMODATIONS: We will be staying at standard, comfortable motels and/or lodges throughout the tour.
DRESS: Informal throughout.
TRANSPORTATION: We will be traveling by 15-passenger window van or minivan, depending on the 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the General Information & 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Colorado and Utah 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 2008