May 22, 2018

Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge

May 22, 2018: Post-work and post-gym, I set off in a sweaty, hot mess to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge to find a Pacific Golden-Plover that was reported on eBird the day before. I pulled up to what local birders call “the narrows,” parked, got out of my car with my bins, and looked up at a random spot in Cackler Marsh right at the Pacific Golden-Plover (#184). Beyond this luck, the weather was beautiful and cool and was the perfect respite after warming up considerably from earlier activities. The sun was also near setting, and it was incredibly quiet except for the calls of the birds, specifically the flying Black-Necked Stilts. I also saw a second new bird—Wilson’s Phalarope (#185). The water was too low, so there was no spinning involved.

I keep thinking back to this evening and this particulate spot. I always enjoyed Baskett Slough, but there was something incredibly comforting and clarifying about being there that evening. This may sound hyperbolic, but there was no other place I should have been at that moment. I’m not sure I can replicate that evening, and I think I’m ok with that.

Pacific Golden-Plover (female in breeding plumage); Baskett Slough National Wildlife Area; May 22, 2018; photograph by Linda Burfitt.

Wilson’s Phalarope; Baskett Slough National Wildlife Area; May 22, 2018; photograph by Linda Burfitt.

Black-necked Stilt; Baskett Slough National Wildlife Area; May 22, 2018; photograph by Linda Burfitt.

New Birds for 2018: 2
2018 Year-to-Date Talley: 185