Day 1
Tour beings this afternoon in Tucson. We will transfer to our bed and breakfast for a welcome dinner. Night in Hereford.
Day 2
Early breakfast before departing for the San Rapheal Valley. This area is known for it abundance of overwintering sparrows to include Baird’s, Savannah, Vesper, 2 races of White crowned Sparrow, Brewer’s, Grasshopper, Botteri’s, Rufous winged and more along with McCown’s and Chestnut collared Longspurs, “Lillian’s” Eastern and Western Meadowlarks. We will also see Ferruginous & Rough-legged Hawk and White tailed Kite along with more raptor surprises.
After a picnic lunch we will head toward Patagonia to the famous Patton’s feeders to see Canyon, Abert’s & Spotted Towhee, and possible Anna’s and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. Then we will go to the Patagonia Lake for overwintering Grebes and Ducks. Night in Hereford.
Day 3
Early breakfast before driving to White Water Draw, a wildlife refuge home to wintering Sandhill Cranes along with a diversity of raptors, waterfowl and sparrows. We will also search for several desert species including Bendire’s, Curve-billed and Sage Thrashers. After lunch we’ll head north in search of more sparrows and raptors and, if we’re lucky, Mountain Plovers!
After dinner on this night we’ll do a bit of night birding in search of Great Horned, Barn and Western -Screech Owls and the regionally endemic Whiskered-Screech Owl. Night in Hereford.
Day 4
Today we’ll send the day birding the Huachuca Mountains. While most birder’s visit these mountains during the summer, winter can be an equally exciting time to visit this Sky Island. Many of the specialty birds of the region spend the winter here including Spotted Owl, Acorn and Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Mexican Chickadee, Hutton’s Vireo and Painted Redstart! We’ll also visit several hummingbird feeders in hopes to catch a few wintering hummingbirds and if time permits we will look for wintering Harris Hawks and other desert species. Night in Hereford.
Day 5
Following breakfast we will return to Tucson for departure.
Although we will typically adhere to the above itinerary, the exact schedule of the tour is liable to change depending on local conditions and of course the birds!
Trip Reports
Trip reports coming soon…
Photos
Coming soon…
Health Considerations
Arizona presents no major health hazards, however low temperatures and intense sunlight should be taken into consideration. It is important the participants on this tour bring and use appropriate sun protection whether in the form of UV protective clothing and hats and/or sunscreen. It is also vital that participants bring their own water bottles on all hikes and outings. BRANT will provide ample fresh, cool water but we cannot provide everyone with a water bottle. Please be sure and bring appropriate warm weather clothing. Temperatures can reach well below freezing in the early mornings. A jacket, hat and gloves are recommended.
Climate
Temperatures in winter here are typically mild with lows in the upper 30’s and highs in the low 70’s. However, cold fronts are regular and can cause temperatures to drop well below freezing so it is important to bring warm weather clothing. Rain and/or snow are not regular this time of year but always possible.
Dress
Informal throughout. Good hiking boots are a must. Warm jacket, hat and gloves are highly recommended.
Group Size
Maximum group size is 12 participants. We typically have 2 to 3 guides for this tour.
Tour Pace
As with all birding tours, this trip will have early mornings and relatively full days of birding. Hiking will be minimal and fairly leisurely. Participants are free to “sit one out” at anytime during the trip.
Food
Meals will be taken at local restaurants throughout trip. Breakfast will be served at our accommodations. We try to focus on local, Mexican style cuisine wherever possible.
Transportation
We will be traveling in a 12 or 15 passenger van depending on the group size. It is important that all participants be able to ride in any seat in the van.
Accommodations
For this tour we will be staying at a very nice bed and breakfast for the entirety of the trip. Single occupancy is available throughout the tour for an additional charge.
Non-US Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa to enter the United States. You can locate the nearest U.S.Embassy or Consulate here.
Before deciding to register for this tour, please read over the the following information as well as the “What To Expect” tab on this page. After you have read and understood the all important tour information please fill out the Registration Form at the bottom of this page and complete you payment under the “Payment” tab. Please note that your spot on the tour is not reserved until we have received your deposit in full. If you need help or have questions at any time feel free to contact us via email or phone.
What’s Included
The tour price includes all travel from the point of departure (Tucson International Airport, Tucson, AZ), all lodging while on the trip, all meals unless otherwise noted, tour materials, and all services of the tour leaders. Tips for included meals, porters, drivers, and other service providers are also included.
Lodging is booked on double occupancy, most lodging in the U.S. can allow us to arranged for single rooms at an additional charge; lodging outside of the U.S. is usually in small locally-owned lodges and will almost always be double occupancy. If you are traveling single we will match you to appropriate roommates and can discuss any changes once the group has established. Double occupancy means that you are sharing your room with another individual, single occupancy means that you are paying for the room for just yourself, and you do not want a roommate.
Items that are not included in the tour price are as follows: passports, visas, airfare , departure taxes, immunizations, baggage charges, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, room service, snacks, emergency evacuation fees and medical fees, and other personal purchases you desire to make in the course of the trip.
Travel to Point of Departure
Your fees include travel arrangements for the trip at/from point of departure. For example if your trip begins in Albuquerque, NM, you will need to make arrangements to get to Albuquerque, NM. From that point we will pick you up and provide all other transport. If you are traveling internationally we will provide you with suggested airline and travel times for you to book your flight. We will provide specific information about arrival and departure times in the trip packet sent to you after registration. If you would like assistance with your travel plans please feel free to contact us and we will help you out.
Gratuities
Tips for local guides on international trips are highly encouraged. Local guides are incredibly valuable and knowledgeable and often underpaid. It’s important to show our support and appreciation for these individuals.
Tips for BRANT guides are not required, however if you wish to pay a gratuity to your guide please do at any time (during or after the tour). Rest assured that any tips we received are distributed fairly to your guides.
Restrictions On Participation
In general there is only one absolute restriction to a nature tour, you absolutely cannot collect any plants, artifacts or animals during the tour.
Otherwise, there are no restrictions. We only ask that you let us know about any potential limitations or safety concerns that may hamper your ability to participate in any aspect of the desired tour. For example, walking difficulties, diabetes, asthma, angina, diet limitations, applicable phobias, etc. should be noted on the registration form. Our tours are typically not physically demanding however the level of physical difficulty for each tour is available under the “Pace of Tour” section of each tour. If there is any question about your ability to participate on a tour we would be more than glad to provide more information that you and/or your doctor may need to help make that decision. All hikes, on all tours, will be round trip, that is returning to the vehicle start point unless otherwise noted, allowing any participant to ‘sit one out’ if they feel inclined to do so. In addition to any walking, participants should be mindful that they will be required to be able to sit in any seat on our tour vehicles.
Tour Confirmation
Tour confirmation occurs at the time of invoicing or 3 months prior to the tour departure date. This tour will be confirmed no later than December 31st, 2015.
Tour Cancellations
In the event a tour is cancelled by BRANT (due to civil unrest, natural disaster, low participation, etc.) we will offer you an alternate tour option (same time/similar birding targets) or refund the full amount of your tour deposit and price.
Price Increase
Projecting the cost of a tour package months in advance is not an exact science. If unexpected increases do occur it may be necessary to charge participants up to 10% increases of the tour price. If greater than 10% increases are necessary, participants may withdraw from the tour without penalty.
Refunds, Transfers, and Cancellations
We hope that you will be able to join us on this tour, however, if circumstances cause you to cancel your trip we understand. If cancellations are made 3 months before the start of your tour, your deposit, less the non-refundable amount, will be refunded to you. If cancellations are made after 3 months before the departure date, your deposit is not refundable. If cancellation is made 45 days or less before the departure date all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
BRANT will allow a one-time transfer of a deposit to an upcoming tour date as long as the transfer takes place at least 45 days prior to tour departure date. Once a transfer has been made you will no longer be eligible for a transfer or refund of any amount at any time should you cancel again. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Registration Form
Please fill in all required fields. Remember that you must pay your deposit in addition to submitting this form before your spot on the tour is secured.If you have any questions or problems please contact us at anytime.
If you would prefer to fax or mail your registration form you can click here to print a hard copy. Our fax number and mailing address can be found here.
Arizona – Winter in the Desert Registration Form
Cost
The price of this tour may vary by the selected tour date. Pricing is as follows:
February 2016
Price TBA
Payment
Deposits can be made either online via PayPal or by check. Payments by check carry a significant discount, applied at the time of invoicing.
Make checks payable to BRANT Tours and mail them to the following address:
7522 Edith Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
87113
To pay the deposit online select your departure date below and click “Buy Now”
February 2016
Payment not yet available
Trip Material
After you successfully register for a trip we will send you an information packet that will include:
- Detailed tour itinerary
- Bird (or wildlife) checklist
- Study/reference sheet
- What to bring sheet
- Receipt for deposit and invoice for remaining balance owed
- Information regarding travel to and from tour departure location
- Liability Waiver
Although your guides will be able to identify all of the wildlife for the area you are visiting, it is always a good idea for you to study up on the expected wildlife for your trip. If you want more information about any aspect of your trip prior to departure please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions and/or recommend any reference guides
Liability Waiver
BRANT has selected known areas in the US and internationally, we cannot, however, guarantee anyone’s personal safety. For the most part ecotourism is done in remote, outback, and jungle like areas. The terrain is often rugged and local services and government assistance is not available in an emergency. In many out of the US areas there may not be phone or internet services for a day or two at a time during the trip. (However, in most established lodges internet service is readily available.) Therefore, we require that you accept your personal responsibility and agree to release us from liability for your safety within the limits of the law by completing the Assumption of Risk and Liability Agreement provided in your tour registration packet. This agreement must filled out and returned to us prior to the departure date of your tour. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE LIABILITY WAIVER TO PARTICIPATE ON ANY BRANT TOUR!
You can return the liability waiver to us via post or fax at anytime prior to your trip.
Liability Waiver (click to download PDF)
Health Preparations
Health precautions for trips in the US are minimal to none. If you have a health condition that requires medication please have the prescription filled for more than the numbers of days your trip encompasses, carry it in the original bottle, clearly labeled with instructions. If you have a health condition that you feel may affect your participation on the trip please discuss this with us so we can advise you and/or provide you with information to discuss with your physician.
Trip Insurance
Please check with your insurance agent for coverage you may already have and any limitations on national and/or international travel. Travel insurance may be purchased from several reliable companies; Travel Insured International (travelinsured.com) and Travelex (travelexinsurance.com) are two to consider. Travel insurance is purely voluntary and not required to participate on BRANT tours.
