First, a quick stop in Fallon for a cup of coffee and a couple fantastic cinnamon rolls, one plain iced the other orange cranberry.  We munch on them as we gaze across the first pools in the refuge.  What is not to like about that? 

Stillwater NWR is a collection of marsh lands and seasonal pools that are a migratory bird oasis in the high desert.  It is not peak season now for birding but we see enough to be interesting.  The graceful: black necked stilts, avocets, western grebes, a swan.   The amorous but clown-like ruddy ducks.  Richly colored cinnamon teal.  Bright, cheerful sounding meadowlarks.  A cautious and watchful coyote.