Despite the heat, we saw some nice birds, even though all I was carrying was my little Nikon 10x25 LX,http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10x25mm-premier-lx-binoculars.html, which I regard as as good as it gets inb a compact.
Birds seen and/or heard included Yellowthroats (many), Song Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Cowbirds, Baltimore Orioles, Catbirds, Tree Swallows, Red-tailed Hawks, Phoebes, Belted Kingfisher, Sandhill Cranes (nesting pair), Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Wood Ducks and Killdeer to name some.
Probably just as well that I didn't bring my spotting scope, because no mud flats or shore birds were to be found. Still, given the heat, we had a good time and saw lots of birds.