Callie Ingram

Callie is originally from Johnson City, Tennessee, but currently resides in Jacksonville. With a background in marine biology and research, she developed a passion for birding after moving to Florida, leading her to volunteer with Audubon Florida. After seeing her first scrub-jay, she says “I fell in love instantly!”

Through her volunteering experiences, including Jay Watch and shorebird stewardship, Callie has connected with like-minded individuals and professionals in the field. One of her favorite memories was during her first survey route in 2024, when a scrub-jay landed on her head and tried to pull apart her hat. Volunteering with Audubon Florida has enriched her birding journey and opened up new career opportunities in avian research. 

Hanna Beery

Hanna, a dedicated volunteer from Deltona, first discovered Jay Watch in 2023 through an Instagram post by Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. She eagerly joined her first count and loved every moment of it. Her passion for conservation and the Florida Scrub-Jay grew, and she was honored when Stephen Kintner asked her to lead a survey group in 2024. As she continues in this role, Hanna feels a strong sense of duty to serve her local ecosystem, particularly as a voice for the jays, which are unable to advocate for themselves.

Volunteering with Jay Watch has also introduced her to other inspiring women in the natural sciences, giving her role models to look up to as she considers a future career path. 

Julia Wiggins

Julia was born and raised in Vero Beach. After college, she shifted from a passion for bass fishing to a love for birdwatching, a hobby her father inspired during their summers in the Appalachian Mountains. In the fall of 2017, she met Joe Carroll, the Indian River County coordinator for Jay Watch, and began volunteering. Julia quickly became dedicated to the cause, eventually taking on a leadership role in the program. 

Through volunteering with Jay Watch, Julia has found a deep sense of purpose and connection. She treasures the opportunity to learn from others and from the birds themselves, appreciating the remarkable resilience of the jays and the intricacies of their daily survival. 

Scott and Carey Larosa 

Scott and Carey, who live in Ocala, have strong connections to nature and wildlife conservation. Scott, a retired law enforcement officer with FWC in Key Largo, and Carey, originally from Washington, D.C., discovered Jay Watch in 2017 by visiting a Jay Watch table at the Florida SpringsFest in Silver Springs State Park. 

They quickly became enthusiastic community scientists, drawn to the adventure and joy of observing Florida Scrub-Jays, which they find both cute and quite entertaining. They have expanded their involvement by adding a new survey area in the Greenway; more places for scrub-jay parties, we hope! 

Article first appeared in the 2024 Jay Watch season summary.