Ornithology Data 000008
03/06/2026
Samuel Clifford
Location: Grandbay Wildlife Management Area (Valdosta, GA)
Date: 03/05/2026
Temperature: 82°
Weather: Sunny/Cloudy
A flock of White Ibis were spotted early on in the marsh in more of the wooded area. The group had around 11 individuals. They were pecking the marsh floor, as has been seen before, likely looking for food. Their sound is almost a mix between a hum & a trumpet. They did not let me get within 20ft of them before they flew, exposing their black-tipped wings, another 30–50ft away. Two Barred Owls could be heard communicating from across the marsh. Their distinctive hoo hoo huh hoo hoo hoo huh hoooo noise. Various other species were seen & heard such as Turkey Vultures, Mourning Doves, & Red-winged Blackbirds. Interestingly I still hear Sandhill Cranes as well.
The plant in the image above is the swollen bladderwort (Utricularia inflata). It's an aquatic carnivorous plant known for its floating, spoke‑like pontoons and bright yellow flowers. It captures tiny aquatic prey using bladder‑like suction traps hidden among its submerged filamentous branches. This species is native to the southeastern coastal plains of the United States, thriving in dark, tannin‑rich ponds, bogs, and slow‑moving waters. Its rootless, free‑floating growth habit allows it to form dense surface mats in its warm, humid home range.