Our Birds On Tap-Roadtrip! series combines birding and beer!
Last year we learned that birds and beer go very well together! We are excited to announce the 2016 Birds On Tap – Roadtrip! series in collaboration with Freeport Wild Bird Supply.
The idea for this series comes on the heels of several very successful lecture and book signing programs sponsored by Freeport Wild Bird Supply, working with some of Maine’s finest breweries to combine birding and beer enjoyment.
The Birds On Tap – Roadtrip! seemed like a natural progression – literally taking the show on the road to make learning about birds and birding even more fun.
Each tour combines 2-3 hours of birding at one of Maine ’s hotspots with a visit to two of our fantastic local breweries.
Setting up the observation area on a recent Birds on Tap Roadtrip! Paul O’Donnell Photo
The trips introduce people to new breweries, new birds, and new places in a casual atmosphere that makes both birding and beer appreciation approachable.
Traveling in the Maine Brew Bus, the first half of each tour is spent in the field with the expert guiding of Freeport Wild Bird Supply’s Derek Lovitch, learning about the birds and their habitats.
When this Birds on Tap Roadtrip! group was getting out of the bus to visit Baxter Brewing Company, they observed a pair of Peregrine Falcons on a nearby building. Derek Lovitch Photo
Each tour then visits two local breweries led by Maine Brew Bus guidance counselors. Check out this recap of a Birds on Tap – Roadtrip! tour from last year.
In 2016, six different trips will be offered, from Kittery to Lewiston. The 2016 schedule is as follows:
Surf and Suds February 28th 8:00am – 2:30pm: York and Ogunquit (winter waterfowl, alcids) SoMe Brewing and Fore River Brewing
Spring Ducks & Draughts April 10th 10:00am – 4:00pm: Merrymeeting Bay (migrant waterfowl, eagles) Oxbow & Lively Brewing
Grassland and Grains June 5th 8:00am – 2:00pm: Kennebunk Plains (Upland Sandpiper, Grasshopper Sparrow) Funky Bow & Banded Horn Brewing
Shorebirds and Beer August 7th 9:00am – 3:00pm: Scarborough Marsh (migrant shorebirds) Barreled Souls & Rising Tide Brewing
Migrants and Malts October 9th 8:00am – 2:30pm: Kittery (songbird, raptor, and shorebird migrants) Tributary & Hidden Cove Brewing
Fall Ducks and Draughts November 13th 8:30am – 2:30pm: Sabattus Pond and Auburn Riverwalk (migrant waterfowl, eagles) Baxter Brewing & Maine Beer Co.
Observing shorebirds around Scarborough’s beaches and marshlands. Joshua Langlais Photo
The locations were chosen to enjoy the peak of birding at a particular locale at certain times of year. One does not need to be a “birder” to enjoy these outings. People of all skill levels (or curiosities) are encouraged to join us!
The full schedule, information on each tour, and details on how to register to experience this unique adventure are posted at www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com/birdingtoursinMaine.asp
The group last year enjoying the Ducks and Drafts birding options at Sabbatus Pond. Paul O’Donnell Photo
Don Littlefield is the General Manager of The Maine Brew Bus. He learned everything he knows about birds from a Roger Tory Peterson Field Guide. Later today he driving a tour that will have a special preview of Dirigo Brewing Company in Biddeford, ME. Twitter: @BeerinME