Alabama biologist rescued from Choctawhatchee

A reader writes:

From the FWC Division of Law Enforcement Field Operations Report (PDF). Biologist? Alabama?

"On December 31, Officers Darrell Johnson, Willie Mailoto, and Matt Webb conducted a successful search and rescue south of Highway 20 along the Choctawhatchee River. A biologist from Alabama, searching for the presence of the ivory-billed woodpecker, apparently entered the river swamp about 9:30 a.m. and had not returned by late evening. Officer Johnson’s knowledge of the area allowed the search to concentrate on the Dismal Creek area. He utilized a Walton County Sheriff’s K-9 and a Department of Corrections’ K-9 to assist with the search. Lieutenant Doug Berryman assisted by responding to the area with a vessel. Utilizing the vessel, the lost biologist was located about midnight. The man stated he intended to only go for a short walk and did not take his compass or map."