Cyndi and I spent about six hours in the refuge (most of it birding) beginning at 0900, producing 57 species, with shorebirds putting on a pretty good show. Cyndi wants me to emphasize that many of the shorebirds are in breeding plumage, making id a bit easier for those who find shorebirds frustrating. (If not easier, then at least more aesthetically pleasing).
East River Pool is quite high and other than 14 White Pelicans, was empty.
Stony Bayou 1 had the Am Flamingo, a few N Shovelers, a feeding Gull-billed Tern, and hundreds of shorebirds. Many of the shorebirds were too distant and backlit to id, but good looks were had of White-rumped Sandpiper, about a dozen Red Knots (some in breeding plumage), many Dunlin in breeding plumage, and a few other expected species.
Lighthouse Pool had several Am Avocets (all at least partially in breeding plumage), White-rumped Sandpiper, several other shorebird species, White Pelican, N Shovelers and Blue-winged Teal. Opposite the pool, a Whimbrel was on the salt flats and a few Seaside Sparrows perched up on the black needle rush.
Headquarters Pond had three Roseate Spoonbills in the large snag on the far side, at least eight Purple Gallinules, and singles of Green Heron, Bl-cr Night Heron, and Least Bittern.
Many more species could certainly be found with an earlier start and greater effort than we put in, but you can have a good day of birding at the refuge without working too hard.