General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to California and Arizona. 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-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: California and Arizona present no real hazards to the visiting birdwatcher, but certain factors must be considered. Winter sun is powerful and deserves respect, but early-morning temperatures can be close to freezing. Desert vegetation also deserves respect. The most common injury results from spines penetrating light-weight canvas shoes. Many desert plants are armed with thorns or spines, and we recommend tough canvas or leather shoes of at least ankle height and tough trousers as the best safeguards.
PACE OF THE TOUR: Due to the relatively short days in January, we spend a large percentage of our daylight hours birding (and driving). Most mornings do not start until a 6AM breakfast, although one or two mornings begin slightly earlier than that, and on one day with a long early-morning drive we rise at 4:30AM. On two evenings there is optional owling, completed by 9PM. Almost all walking is of short duration. One day we chase after sparrows and pipits in the undulating grasslands near Sonoita, and there does exist the possibility we will take a two-mile hike, with only a gentle climb, up a canyon if an unexpected rare bird warrants.
CLIMATE: In winter (November to February), daytime highs are in the 55-70° range with nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s F. It can be colder at high elevations, and it is always possible to experience days with maximum temperatures of 20° above or below these figures. Be prepared for early morning temperatures around freezing or just below. Rain is infrequent but periodic storms can produce precipitation throughout. Snow is possible above 6,000 feet.
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.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is in 15- or 12-passenger window vans.
SMOKING: We request that you not smoke 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, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for the Deserts in Winter tour will be mailed to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed to all registrants 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