Birds On Tap - Roadtrip: "Terns and Taps," 7/8/2018

Yes, the title of this Birds on Tap - Roadtrip with our partners at The Maine Brew Bus was entitled "Terns and Taps." And yes, we saw three species of Terns: Least, lots of Commons, and fantastic looks at the elegant Endangered Roseate, which we studied carefully.

But I think it was this family group of four (three pictured) fluffy cotton-balls-on-toothpicks baby also-Endangered Piping Plovers - and their attendant and attentive parents - that stole the show at Biddeford's Hill's Beach. Because baby shorebirds are, scientifically speaking, the cutest things in the world.

We also spotted a recently-arrived southbound migrant Whimbrel among the many "Eastern" Willets at The Pool, before heading over to our first brewery stop, Barreled Souls in Saco.

We sampled our choice of their wide range of unique and inspired beers, and there were a wide range of favorites. However, the Hillrock Single Malt Scotch Barrel-aged Munro (my new favorite Barreled Souls brew!) and Hillrock Rye Barrel-aged Teotihuacan were crowd favorites, with a more "traditional" Sunshowers fruited IPA being quite popular as well.

We then worked our way north, with Paul delivering us to Fore River Brewing Company in South Portland. After some heavy and bold beers at Barreled Souls, we lightened the mood with a refreshing Kolsch, the group-favorite Spring Point witbier, and a must-drink on a birding tour: Whimbrel! Yes, that Whimbrel. I mean, how could we not?

And crystal clear skies, temperatures in the upper 70's but with low humidity and a cooling breeze. What else could we ask for in a delightful way to spend a summer Sunday?