The IV NAOC will take place in Veracruz, Mexico 3-7 October 2006. The City of Veracruz was established in 1519 by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Located at the Gulf of Mexico, it is the largest port in the country and a major tourist resort because of its rich history, beautiful scenery, fine beaches, and excellent accommodations. The city is in a low, sandy area surrounded by dunes and wetlands with sunshine most of the year. Other localities nearby offer great birding opportunities as well as cultural, historical and biological attractions. The first two weeks of October mark the height of the spectacular fall raptor migration and many other birds in Veracruz.
Birding in and around Veracruz. More than 700 species of birds have been recorded in the state of Veracruz. During the fall migration season (peak during the first two weeks of October) the region witnesses spectacular raptor migrations. More than 100,000 birds have been observed in a single day! Over 230 species of Neotropical migrants have been recorded in central Veracruz. Within a 200 kilometer radius you can find all the ecosystem types in Mexico ranging from highland plateau deserts, perpetual snow, and fir and pine forests to lowland rainforests, tropical dry forests, and mangroves. The natural habitats have been greatly modified in the last 500 years, but the region still has great birding opportunities in the highlands (Las Minas): Dwarf Jay, Aztec Thrush, Black Robin, Slaty Vireo, to name a few; mid-elevation (Xalapa and Coatepec): Blue Mockingbird, Strickland’s Woodpecker, Bearded-wood Partridge, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia; foothills and lowlands (Río Escondido, El Conejo): Mexican Sheartail, Rufous-naped Wren, Boat-billed Heron, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Collared Forest-falcon), and shore and sea specialties (Playa Juan Angel, La Mancha) Piping Plover, Double-stripped Thick-knee, Collared Plover. The region of central Veracruz has a list of 500+ birds, the nearby Los Tuxtlas region (mostly lowland tropical habitats) has a list of nearly 400 species. A variety of birding tours have been organized to help you explore and enjoy this avifauna.
Cultural, social, and ornithological attractions. Veracruz offers many cultural attractions including museums, music, nightlife, bars, cafes, and beaches. Pre- and post- conference trips could include visits to the San Juan de Ulúa fortress, the Veracruz City Aquarium, scuba and other sub-aquatic activities, and visits to nearby cities like Xalapa (state capital, located 110 km [70 miles]) with finest Olmec and Totonac culture anthropology museum in Mexico, Symphonic orchestra concerts, Science and Technology Museum, etc., as well as some of the archaeological sites such as Zempoala and Quiahuixtlan. Veracuz City is the oldest European settlement in the continental Americas. In spite of its large size (1.5 million people) Veracruz City is among the safest cities in Mexico and Jarochos (Veracuzans) are known worldwide for their friendliness. The City of Veracruz is often referred to as the World Capital of Happiness.
Tours are also being offered to cultural attractions, particularly for non-ornithologist spouses and children.
The lower chamber approved changes that will allow tourists arriving by plane or boat to be reimbursed the VAT for local purchases totaling at least $1,200.00 USD.
During the first week of October you can expect warm weather with daytime temperatures around 80° F. However, be aware that during this week the last tropical storm of the season or the first northern winds might take place. So, it is advisable to bring a warm jacket, raincoat and appropriate shoes or boots just in case. If northern winds or rain happens during the conference, the first clear day will bring a considerable number of migrants to the skies. People visiting Xalapa, Cordoba or the highlands must be aware that rain is common during the afternoon and thus it is a good idea to carry a raincoat and another set of shoes. Weather conditions for the day at Veracruz can be found at http://smn.cna.gob.mx/smmpt/estadosrm/ciudades/veracruz.html.
Veracruz is in the Central Time Zone and will be on Central Daylight Saving Time at the time of the conference in October.
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