Registration - Information Desk

The Conference Registration/Information Desk will be located on the third floor conference center of the Hotel Inter-Continental, opposite the escalators that connect to the Lobby (where Hotel Check-in Desk is located).  Conference registration hours are Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesday, 24 Sep; 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday to Friday, 25-27 Sep; and 8:00 AM-Noon, Saturday, 28 Sep.

For general questions or assistance contact someone at the Conference Registration/Information Desk (ph. 504-258-7113; incoming queries and messages only) or a member of the local committee or volunteer, who will be identifiable by ribbons:

Local Committee chair—navy blue ribbon
Local Committee member—light blue ribbon
Student volunteer—green ribbon

For information about the hotel service and New Orleans (tours, entertainment, childcare, restaurants, etc.) see the Concierge Desk, near the registration desk of the Hotel Inter-Continental Lobby—but also see sections below on food, entertainment, alternative activities, and childcare options.

Parking is simplest and safest in the parking garage for the Hotel Inter-Continental (Pan-American Building), just off Camp Street (between Poydras and Commercial).  Valet parking fee is $10.00 for 0-2 hours, $14.00 for 2-12 hours, and $25.00 for 12-24 hours.  Self-parking in Pan-American Building lot (connecting to Hotel Inter-Continental) overnight $14.00 (no in-and-out privileges).  Limited street parking is available, but primarily outside business hours (metered parking during the day). Valet parking is $17.00 per day at La Quinta Inn, and $17.50 + tax for the day at Hampton Inn.

New Orleans weather in September is warm, averaging 29 °C with plenty of sunshine. The city will be verdant with its majestic live oaks and palms. Afternoon showers do occur; be advised to bring an umbrella or other rain protection.

Air Travel: Airlines serving New Orleans are Air Canada, Air Tran, American, America West, Comair, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Midway, Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, U.S. Air, Group TACA.

Discount airfares have been arranged with Southw est Airlines. Ticket reservations can be made at (800) 433-5368; I.D. Code S9726 identifies 3rd Annual North American Ornithological Conference. Activation dates for this group is 6 months prior travel. Deadline to obtain the group discount, reservations must be made 5 or more days prior to travel to take advantage of this offer.

Ground transportation between the airport and the heart of the city is easily arranged at the airport upon arrival. The Airport Shuttle can be obtained at their booth. Cost is approximately $10 per person one-way. For more information contact (504) 592-1991 or 1-800-543-6332. Taxi service is also available at approximately $21 for one-way from Louis Armstrong International Airport. Prices subject to change.

Amtrak – New Orleans is serviced by Amtrak; depot is a short taxi ride from the InterContinental Hotel.

Most conference events were planned for easy walking access from the Hotel Inter-Continental (see Downtown New Orleans Map).  More distant lodging, restaurants, or events—e.g., uptown—can be reached by convenient public transportation—bus, streetcar, or taxi. Conference attendees should plan to walk if possible to the Opening Reception at the Aquarium of the Americas (foot of Canal St.), and to the House of Blues social (across Canal St., just inside the French Quarter).  However, handicap-accessible shuttle bus service is available for these two events from the Hotel Inter-Continental, both before and afterwards.  Shuttle bus service is also available to the AOU Fellows and Guests Dinner at Michaul’s Live Cajun and Jazz Music Restaurant on Tuesday evening.

New Orleans’ Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides excellent service on several streetcar and numerous bus lines throughout the city, most of which originate within several blocks of the Hotel Inter-Continental, just off Canal St. (see hotel concierge for details).  RTA rates are $1.25 ($1.50 with transfer) for single ride, $4.00 for Daily Pass (purchasable on any bus or streetcar), or $12.00 for a Three-Day Pass (purchasable at any Visitor Information Booth, e.g. near Aquarium of the Americas).

Don’t miss the easy and inexpensive tour of St. Charles Ave. via the world famous St. Charles Street Car line, including the Garden District, Audubon Park, and Tulane and Loyola universities.

Information about local restaurants and eateries is enclosed with your registration materials.  However, in order to savor some of the best that New Orleans has to offer please take a few minutes to tour Bruce Fleury’s Everything’s Hot Down In New Orleans guide to food and just about everything else in the Big Easy (http://www.tulane.edu/~bfleury/neworleans/NewOrleans.htm).  Convention Hospitality Services will also operate a booth near the Conference Registration/Information desk, and they can help you with restaurant information and reservations.

Breakfast options include a complimentary (with registration) continental breakfast from 8:00-9:00 AM each morning in the Third Floor Conference Center of the Hotel Inter-Continental.  In addition to 24-hour room service for guests, the Hotel Inter-Continental serves breakfast in the Veranda Restaurant from 6:30-11:00 AM, and pastries and such in its Sweet Car bistro (open 7:00 AM-5:00 PM).  Coffee and beignets may still be had at Café du Monde, across from Jackson Square, French Quarter.

Lunch spots at the Hotel Inter-Continental include the Veranda Restaurant (featuring internationally recognized chef Willy Coln), the Sweet Car (sandwiches), and Pete’s Pub.  Fast food is available in all flavors, Monday-Friday (7:00 AM- 2:00 PM) at the Food Court on the Second Level of the Bank One/Hampton Inn Building (across St. Charles Ave. from Hotel Inter-Continental, towards Canal St.).  A variety of fast food is also available on Canal Street.  While foraging, don’t miss seafood Po-Boys (or any other kind, for that matter), a New Orleans specialty.  All attendees are responsible for their own lunch.

Plenty of delicious dinnertime food comes gratis with registration: Louisiana hors d'oeuvres at Opening Reception Tuesday, wine & cheese (light hors d’oevres) at the Wednesday poster session, cajun buffet dinner at the House of Blues Picnic Thursday, and New Orleans dessert specialties at the Friday poster session. The local committee hereby denies any responsibility for guests who put on body mass prior to post-conference migration.

A message board will be set up at the Conference Registration/Information Desk.  Voice mail can be left there at 504-258-7113, which will be checked regularly throughout the conference until Saturday noon.

The Hotel Inter-Continental’s Business Center provides diverse and excellent services for a fee, including FAX, copying, PC/printer, Internet and e-mail access, cell phone rental, secretarial services, and shipping.  Thirty business rooms are also available with FAX/printer/copier, dataport, oversized desk, ergonomic chair, and halogen lamp.

The nearest Kinko’s (copy, computer, and printing services) to the hotel is located on 762 St. Charles Ave. (Julia St.; ph 581-2541).

All events at the Hotel Inter-Continental, and all other social events are fully wheelchair accessible.  For assistance, contact the Conference Registration/Information Desk (or phone 504-258-7113).

Hotel guests can receive messages via their hotel switchboards.  Urgent messages for conference participants can be directed to the Conference Registration/Information desk (504-258-7113) during conference hours.  Messages will be relayed to conference organizers and participants as quickly as possible.  The Hotel Inter-Continental switchboard number (Hotel Check-in Desk) is 504-525-5566.

Please exercise common-sense caution in New Orleans, just as in any other big city.  A few simple precautions include ditching your badge outside the conference site (why advertise your tourist status?).  Avoid the warehouse district adjacent to the Convention Center after dark.  Bourbon Street is safe if crazed after dark, but be extremely careful elsewhere in the French Quarter at night (travel in a group at night in general).  Ignore the "gutter punks", who live to torment travelers.  Jackson Square, and the Cafe du Monde are generally well populated until fairly late at night.  Avoid the riverfront after dark unless in a group.  DO NOT try to see the famous cemeteries unless on a guided tour (the National Park Service tour is recommended).  The cemeteries are unsafe at all hours.  Avoid Armstrong Park unless in a group, and avoid all city parks after dark.  The end of Canal Street nearest the River is the safest part of main street after dark, but late travelers should always exercise caution on or near Canal Street (section modified from Bruce Fleury’s web site).

Speakers should deliver their slides or PowerPoint presentations on a Zip 100 or CD-ROM (preferred) to the projectionist at least 15 min before start of their session (we are not accepting any other e-formats than PowerPoint).  Do not bring your own laptop or a Zip 250.  Copy your file onto the desktop of the computer that is assigned to the room where you will be giving your presentation.  Name the file with the last name of the first author and the day and time of the presentation (e.g. stouffer_thu_2:30).   Preview and troubleshooting will be available daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday (24-28 Sep) in the audiovisual room (Cypress).  Although it is a good idea to check your presentation in Cypress, in most cases you should be able to load and check your presentation during any break in the room where you will be presenting.  Remember that your presentation time is limited to 15 minutes, which includes any time that you may lose to technical problems during your talk!

All poster presentations will take place during one of two poster sessions to be held in LaSalle A of the Hotel Inter-Continental.   Poster presenters should be available to discuss their posters during the reception for the session to which they are assigned, Wednesday 6:00-9:00 PM or Friday 6:30-9:30 PM.  First session posters should be put up from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Wednesday, and taken down by 6:00 PM Thursday.  Second session posters should be put up from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM Friday, and taken down by noon on Saturday.  Maximum size for posters is 4 ft. by 4 ft.  Please bring your own thumbtacks.  Refreshments, including a cash bar, will be available at both poster sessions.  Neither the participating societies nor the Local Committee is responsible for any posters left after 12 noon on Saturday, 28 Sep.

Vendors & exhibitors are located primarily in Pelican Rooms 1 & 2 (“Pelican” in the Program map) and Acadian Room, but some exhibitors are also in Le Salon and LaSalle A (in the latter after Wednesday’s Plenary talk).  All these rooms are in the main conference area on the third Floor of the hotel.  Vendor booths will be open from 8:00-5:00 PM, Wednesday-Friday (25-27 Sep), and 10:00-noon (optional) on Saturday, 28 Sep.

Early morning bird walks will go out with experienced local birders every morning of the conference (Wednesday - Saturday, 25-28 Sep) to Audubon Park, uptown.  Meet no later than 6:30 AM at the park fountains just off St. Charles Avenue (and easily visible from the street), across from the Tulane University Uptown Campus.  Habitats include groomed live oak woodlands, golf course, bike paths, and lagoons (with a wading bird roost and other water birds).  This should also provide an opportunity to see migratory birds in passage.

Audubon Park is easily accessible via the St. Charles Street Car Line ($1.25 per person; please allow about 30 minutes to get to the park once you board in front of Hotel Inter-Continental.  Get off at the Tulane University stop, just uptown from the Loyola University stop—you’ll see Audubon Park on the left (river side) of the tracks as you approach your stop.  Ask at registration desk for more information and sign-up sheets.  Be sure to sign up, so we know how many people are interested in these trips.

West Nile Virus information available via conference web site (http://www. tulane.edu/~naoc-02).

Some field trips may still be available: consult at field trip table or at registration desk. Detailed information on field trips is available HERE

Morning paddle to the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain near Mandeville. Our paddling route includes a mini cypress swamp, brackish and salt marshes, and Lake Pontchartrain. Trip takes place Sunday, 29 Sep, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, departing Hotel Inter-Continental, St. Charles Ave. entrance.

Hummingbird Gardens of the South, located on the North shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The South is well known for its spectacular gardens. On this two-thirds of a day trip, visit two of Louisiana’s finest hummingbird gardens in Covington and Abita Springs.  Trips take place Wednesday, 25 Sep, 2002, 7:00 AM-3:00 PM, departing Hotel Inter-Continental, St. Charles Ave. entrance.

The Museum of Natural Science at LSU in Baton Rouge has a major research collection of birds, with over 175,000 specimens.  For more details, including a partially searchable data base, see http://www.museum.lsu.edu/LSUMNS/index.html. Conference participants who wish to use the collection should make arrangements with Van Remsen (najames@lsu.edu) or Steve Cardiff (scardif@lsu.edu).  Driving time from New Orleans is roughly 80 minutes.  Given sufficient interest, a once-per-day shuttle service may be arranged from the conference.  Also contact Remsen if interested in convenient, reasonably priced on-campus housing overnight before, during, or after the conference.  Visiting researchers are generally given 24/7 access to collections.

An exhibit featuring the works of avian scientists who are also artists or illustrators—the first show of its kind to our knowledge.  It will showcase the works of over 50 artists, including many well-known contemporary illustrators, the “old masters” (including Peterson, Eckelberry, and Sutton), and some of your friends and colleagues whose talents may not be widely appreciated.  The exhibit represents diverse styles and media, from woodcarvings to fabrics, pencil sketches to large oil canvases, and technical illustrations to purely artistic efforts.

This exhibit runs concurrently with the conference (9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday-Saturday) in the Hotel Inter-Continental’s Jackson and Fulton Rooms, across the hall from Vendors/Exhibitors.  Many of the artists will be present to meet visitors during the poster session on Friday evening.  Many pieces will be available for sale through the Metal Orchids & Wildlife gallery in Covington, LA, owned by J. Randal Slocum, whose assistance has made this show possible. The exhibit is conceived and organized by Doug Pratt and John O’Neill, assisted by Josie Babin, of the LSU Museum of Natural Science.

An exhibit of ornithological works of art presented by the Special Collections Division of the Howard-Tilton Library and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology of Tulane University.

Walter Inglis Anderson(1903-1965) was a Mississippi artist well known for his representations of all facets of natural history.  The exhibit presents all phases of his work, including early drawings for a never published field guide to the birds of Mississippi along with bird portraits from throughout his life.  Anderson used ceramics and linoleum blocks for his birds, but the flowering of his love for feathered creatures appears in his watercolors.  A second edition of the book Walter Anderson: Birds is being published by the University Press of Mississippi, and should be available by the time of the meeting.

Beginning with the Francis Willughby Ornithologiae libri tres printed in London in 1678, selected treasures from the Tulane Collection will also be displayed.  Focusing primarily on the birds of North America via Wilson, Bonaparte, Studer, and of course lots of Audubon.  You will also view volumes including Swainson’s Zoological illustrations, Gould’s Birds of Paradise, Selby’s Natural History of Pigeons, and Elizabeth Butterworth’s spectacular Parrots of the Amazon.
Exhibit takes place on Tulane Uptown Campus, Jones Hall, 2nd Floor (Special Collections), from 10 AM-5 PM throughout the conference.  Wine and cheese reception: Wednesday, 25 Sep, 5-7 PM. To get there on your own, take the Freret St. Bus Line (see map in Program; one-way fee $1.25) to Tulane Uptown Campus, get off the bus by Jones Hall/Howard Tilton Library on Tulane Campus (uptown, near end of line), and go to 2nd Floor Jones Hall, Special Collections Room.  The exhibition and reception are due to the efforts, loans, and generosity of Anne and Donald Bradburn, and to the generosity of the Walter Inglis Anderson Family.

The conference features a poster based on a serigraph (silk screen) by well-known Baton Rouge artist Anne Senechal Faust.  The image, entitled "Cameron Prairie", features a flock of 6 White Ibis flying in front of massive cumulus clouds so typical of the Gulf Coast in spring and summer.  The poster is on sale for $7.50 plus taxes during the meeting and will be available during the art show  “The Audubon Legacy:  the Ornithologist as Artist” exhibit (Acadian and Jackson Rooms). Protective mailing tubes will also be available.  After the meeting, posters will be obtainable from The Metal Orchid Gallery, Covington, LA, at increased price.

The meeting logo was designed by Michael D. Wilcox, who now resides in southern California and works as a wildlife biologist and ecologist (AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.).  He works primarily with endangered and threatened amphibians, reptiles, and insects, but also occasionally with sensitive birds and mammals.  Inspiration for the winning design came from several trips to observe the native flora and fauna of the southeastern United States, Yucatan, and Costa Rica.  Biologists and naturalists who influenced him most include colleagues Lawrence F. Lapre, Stephen J. Myers, Chet M. Mcgaugh, Nathan T. Moorhatch, Wes J. Speake, and Richard F. Montijo; wildlife artists John James Audubon, Robert C. Stebbins, Robert Bateman, Joe Garcia, Carl Brenders, Carl Peiter Brest van Kempen, and Lindsey Foggett.  Mike also thanks his wonder wife Denise, loving family and friends for their support and encouragement, and Kenneth O. Walker for technical assistance.

Attractively designed conference t-shirts—which make excellent gifts—are for sale Wednesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, in Pelican Room of the Hotel Inter-Continental.  Proceeds to benefit graduate students of the Gulf Coast region.  T-shirt front portrays the colorful conference Anhinga logo ("3rd North American Ornithological Conference/ Birds on the Bayou: In the Footsteps of Audubon"), and back acknowledges participating societies, sponsors, and co-hosts. T-shirts in children’s S, M, L sizes and adults S, M, L, XL sizes cost $10.  XXL t-shirts cost $12. Long-sleeved t-shirts are also available in adults S, M, L, and XL for $15.  A  $4 shipping fee will be added to any special orders made during the conference.  To place special orders during or after the meeting contact Donata Roome (droome@tulane.edu).

The All-out Ostrich Uproar 5km race this year will take place in Audubon Park, in the Uptown area of New Orleans under the live oaks and Spanish moss.  The race begins at 7:00 AM on Saturday morning, 28 Sep, beginning at the fountains just off St. Charles Avenue (and easily visible from the street).   Please register for the race at the Conference Registration/Information Desk by noon on Friday, 27 Sep.  Suggested donation:  $10, proceeds to benefit the Van Tyne Memorial Research Fund.

Arrangements will be made for round-trip van transport of all racers from and back to the main entrance to Hotel Inter-Continental, departing the hotel at 6:00 A.M., and returning prior to the Saturday plenary lecture.   Alternatively, Audubon Park is easily accessible via the St. Charles Street Car Line ($1.25 per person; allow 30 minutes to get to the park once you get aboard a streetcar.  Get off at the Tulane University stop, just uptown from the Loyola University stop—you’ll see Audubon Park on the river side of the tracks as you approach your stop.  Contact:  Doug James (at Hotel Inter-Continental).

The Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB) is holding a silent auction all day Thursday, 26 Sep, in Oak and Magnolia Rooms—great treasure-shopping opportunity!  Bidding opens 10 AM and closes at 3:45 PM sharp (during the afternoon break), and is open to all conference delegates. Proceeds to benefit travel expenses of Caribbean Nationals.

Bidding takes place during the designated time period on Thursday by adding one’s name and bid to the form provided for each item.  Instructions will be posted around the bidding tables. At 3:45 PM the last bidder on each form is the winner.  Items may be collected immediately after the bidding closes or on Friday morning from 9 AM to noon in the Oak Room.

Anyone wishing to donate items for the silent auction to assist SCSCB with its fund raising efforts should deliver their item(s) to the Oak Room as early as possible at the conference or by Wednesday afternoon at the latest.  Items should be bird related, e.g. field guides, t-shirts, used or new stamps, art, pins, CDs, books, totebags, small toys, handcrafts, bird feeders, etc.

The Hotel Inter-Continental provides registered guests its own fitness equipment (weight room) and a pool on its fifteenth floor.  Hotel Inter-Continental registered guests can also use the Elmwood Fitness Center’s comprehensive athletic facility (sauna, jacuzzi, racquetball, aerobics, etc.) at a reduced rate of $10.00 per visit, and conveniently located at 1 Shell Square, 701 Poydras St. (www.elmwoodfitness.com).

Any visitor can also use YMCA facilities (including pool, basketball courts, weight rooms, and walking/running tracks) for $8 per day, or obtain a five-day pass for $16 (for 24-28 Sep; ask for Ralph).  This facility is located five blocks away at 920 St. Charles Ave. (at Lee Circle; ph. 568-9622).

ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, a reputable, 12-year-old New Orleans-based company, provides a variety of options for childcare needs (Ph. 524-0188; http://www.accentoca.com).  If enough families (10 or more children) have shown interest, ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements will have provided an exciting on-site program at the Hotel Inter-Continental—inquire during registration as to the status of this program.  Fees run about $10.00 per hour per child (or $70-$85 per 10-hour day, depending on child’s age).  Regular baby-sitting services also available.

The Hotel Inter-Continental Concierge can suggest alternative child-care options.

Registered participants and guests may attend all conference social events (banquet fee an additional $50.00).  Others may purchase ticket to the Opening Reception, House of Blues Picnic, or Final Banquet ($50.00 each; children under 12 are free to all except final banquet).

A wealth of other natural, historic, and cultural attractions is available in New Orleans, many within walking distance of the Hotel Inter-Continental.  A spouse-and-family orientation session to such activities will be held from 9:00-10:00 Wednesday morning, 25 Sep, in the Poydras Room of the Hotel Inter-Continental.  In addition, Convention Hospitality Services will be available to help make reservations for restaurants and sightseeing tours such as steamboat cruises.  They will also have an information booth near the Registration/Information area during the first few days of the conference.

Just a few sites of interest in New Orleans include:

Historic Buildings—St. Louis Cathedral, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Hermann-Grima House, Gallier House, Degas House

Plantations—Destrehan, Nottoway, Oak Alley, San Francisco

Science and Nature—Audubon Zoological Gardens, Louisiana Science and Nature Center, Aquarium of the Americas and IMAX theater, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, City Park Botanical Gardens

Parks and Recreation—Audubon Park, City Park, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (including Chalmette Battle Field, French Quarter, and Barataria [natural history] Units)

Museums—Louisiana State Museum, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the Presbytere, the Old U.S. Mint, the Cabildo, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the National D-Day Museum

Fine Arts—Contemporary Arts Center, Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré, Saenger Performing Arts Center, Preservation Hall, New Orleans Museum of Art, and many art galleries in the Central Business District and Warehouse District

Music—Preservation Hall, Café Istanbul, Famous Door, Snug Harbor, House of Blues, Tipitina’s

Shopping—French Market, Jackson Brewery, Canal Place Shopping Centre, The Riverwalk and New Orleans Center

Many tours are available to those not attending scientific sessions.  Examples include tours of the French Quarter, plantations, other heritage sites, and local swamps, which feature knowledgeable guides for reasonable fees.

For more information consult the Concierge Desk at the Hotel Inter-Continental, as well as the conference web site Everything’s Hot Down in New Orleans, http://www.tulane.edu/ ~bfleury/neworleans/NewOrleans.htm.

All coffee provided for this conference is certified by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) to be bird-friendly, shade-grown, organic coffee.  Enjoy this fine brew made possible by donations from Coffee Roasters of New Orleans (CRNO; retail distributor Orleans Coffee Exchange—http://www.orleanscoffee.com) and by a financial contribution from Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU).  Thanks to Alicia Craig (WBU), Russ Greenberg (SMBC), Bill Siemers (CRNO), Shannon Tanner, and the patience of Rick Hart at Hotel Inter-Continental for helping make this possible.

If you drink coffee but not a bird-friendly brand, please consider educating yourself at the conference or otherwise (e.g., http://natzoo.si.edu/smbc/Research/ Coffee/coffee.htm, or http://www.seattleaudubon.org/coffee) about the importance of consuming brands whose production helps protect tropical habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The conference Program and abstracts are printed on recycled paper.

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