Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

I got a call Tuesday from a friend inviting me to go for a nature walk at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Her niece had been there before and suggested that she ask her "birdy friend" to go along. It was quite warm and humid and I should have stayed home to get some work done but I really needed a break outdoors so I went. The Crown Vetch was in bloom in the sunny areas along the trails.
I saw and heard a new sparrow near the edge of this pond. You can see the little brown blob near the bottom of this picture. Watching in my bins I think it was a swamp sparrow but I would like a better look before I add it to my life list.
Many parts of the trails led through shady woods. This spot was a nice break from the hot sun. There were many creeks in the area and it was nice to see that the water was so clear. The air smelled so nice in this spot. This wildlife refuge is just a stone's throw away from both the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and the enormous Mall of America. I didn't see much for birds, although I did see a pair of American Redstarts. I didn't get a picture but I did get to watch them for quite a while which was nice. I really love taking pictures both to remember what I've seen and to help with details for ID but sometimes I feel like the camera gets in the way. It separates me from the birds I'm watching and puts them at more of a distance. Anyone else feel this way or is it just me?
I did get pictures of two feeder birds at the Refuge. It's the odd couple- this big wild turkey
and this tiny ruby-throated hummingbird! The hummer is a tad out of focus but it's my first hummer picture so I'm happy.
While we were there the wind picked up and was tossing the tree tops so loudly it was impossible to hear any birds. Later in the day thunderstorms came through with cool, drier air behind them. I'm wishing the rain along to you friends in the drier parts of the country.