In-person attendees of the Florida Scrub-Jay research symposium, “Jay Day”, at Archbold Biological Station in Lake Placid, Florida. In-person attendees of the Florida Scrub-Jay research symposium, “Jay Day”, at Archbold Biological Station in Lake Placid, Florida. Photo by Kevin Main.

Taking Flight for Fellowship

By Tori Bakley

Just like the birds they study, researchers are typically busy in the summer, so they take time in the fall to travel and migrate. Archbold Biological Station’s Avian Ecology researchers were active participants of fall migration this year by traveling to meetings hosted by the American Ornithological Society (AOS) and the Florida Ornithological Society (FOS) and hosting the first-ever Florida Scrub-Jay research symposium where researchers flocked to Archbold from all over Florida and beyond.   


 The Florida Scrub-Jay research symposium, “Jay Day” was an entire day to share scrub-jay research, conservation efforts, and appreciation. Since Archbold has been studying scrub-jays for 55 years, we were proud to bring together a flock of more than 100 scrub-jay enthusiasts, of which 44 were students or early career professionals. Eighteen researchers gave presentations that discussed the conservation and management of this threatened species or revealed new findings about the scrub-jays’ interactions with each other and their environment. More than 25 groups/agencies participated in the day’s discussions, from state and national government representatives to universities, local community organizers, and volunteers.   


 Lake Placid resident and Archbold volunteer Jerry Atchley joined for Jay Day. When asked about his experience at the symposium, he recalled, “Meeting and listening to the scientists was fascinating. They were able to explain many issues in layman's terms.” He added, “I was surprised by the scope and quantity of data being collected and analyzed.” He finished with the same reflective thought shared by many attendees: “The most notable takeaway is that there is a large, diverse community of scientists and citizens working together to preserve and protect Florida Scrub-Jays!”   

 After Jay Day, the Archbold Avian Ecology team took a flight to Estes Park, Colorado, to attend the American Ornithological Society’s Annual Meeting. This year, AOS brought together more than 1,000 ornithologists worldwide to share ideas and findings and offer opportunities to connect. This was the first conference for the Archbold research interns who had recently graduated from college. They presented their research on Florida Scrub-Jays and met potential collaborators and other early career professionals, both of whom may be key players in the future of their careers.    

 Tori Bakley, Dr. Sahas Barve, Esteban Mendez, Kass Wojcik, and Charlotte Hood, all members of Archbold’s Avian Ecology Program, at the American Ornithological Society’s 2024 meeting in Estes Park, Colorado. Tori Bakley, Dr. Sahas Barve, Esteban Mendez, Kass Wojcik, and Charlotte Hood, all members of Archbold’s Avian Ecology Program, at the American Ornithological Society’s 2024 meeting in Estes Park, Colorado.


During this conference, AOS awarded Archbold’s previous Director of Avian Ecology, Dr. Reed Bowman, a posthumous Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award for his long-term service to the society. At the ceremony, Dr. John W. Fitzpatrick, a long-time friend and collaborator of Dr. Bowman, introduced the award with glowing tales of Dr. Bowman’s service to AOS and his widespread impact on those he knew. Dr. Bowman’s daughter, who was visiting Estes Park to honor her father, received the award with a heartfelt acceptance speech.    

 The American Ornithological Society’s Annual Meeting wasn’t all science and networking, though. Attendees also had the chance to bird the beautiful Rocky Mountains. While seasoned birders, including Dr. Sahas Barve, Archbold Director of Avian Ecology, were excited to see White-tailed Ptarmigans and Rosy-Finches, novice birders, like intern and Floridian Charlotte Hood, were happy to be surrounded by Mountain Bluebirds and Dark-eyed Juncos.    

Upon returning to Florida, the team went to East Palatka, FL, to participate in the Fall Florida Ornithological Society meeting. Archbold has been connected to FOS for decades, and most attendees have either visited Archbold Biological Station or are familiar with the organization. Here, Archbold Avian Ecology researchers met undergraduate students joining the society for the first time, as well as long-time members, including one of the first-ever surveyors for the Lake Placid Christmas Bird Count, which will occur for the 36th year in just a few weeks.    

With winter just around the corner, the team will settle down and reflect on all they’ve experienced over the previous months. The opportunity to share Archbold’s work and extend its legacy within local and international societies, even going as far as to start their own research symposium, made all the hot summer days in the scrub worth every second. Attending these meetings and conferences not only honors the founding researchers and the path they’ve laid but also uplifts the newest generation of bird scientists. It connects them to a giant network of brilliant minds.