Lewes Delmarva Birding Weekend set March 5-7

Delmarva Birding Weekends is partnering with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and its harbor-front hotel, the Dogfish Inn, to host the 2021 Lewes Delmarva Dogfish Birding Weekend.

Hundreds of nature enthusiasts will safely flock to the coast from Friday to Sunday, March 5 to 7, to enjoy a fusion of birds, boats and beer.

The birding and beer partnership recently wrapped up the Winter Delmarva Dogfish Birding Weekend Jan. 29-31. Participants enjoyed fantastic looks at several birds found on Delmarva only during the cold winter months, including common eider, purple sandpiper, American white pelican, great cormorant  and razorbill.

The highlights for many guests were the harbor and gray seals observed on the outer seawall and icebreakers in the Delaware Bay during boat trips. Altogether, 119 bird species were tallied, including 27 species of winter waterfowl. Bird and nature lovers can sign up for as many trips as they like during the award-winning weekend at DelmarvaBirding.com.

The March event will again feature seal and birdwatching boat cruises, and strolls through some of the most pristine habitats on Delmarva. Birders can also enjoy a limited-edition beer release at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats in Rehoboth Beach.

Releasing at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 6, Binoculager (5.1 percent ABV) is a delicious amber lager brewed with toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. Developed in collaboration with Delmarva Birding Weekends and the American Birding Association, it is the perfect pint for bird lovers to sip while looking at birds, thinking about birds, or really, anytime. Available for $16 per 4pk/16oz cans, a portion of proceeds from the sales of Binoculager will benefit the birding association.

Participants can be the first to try it Saturday morning on the ABA 2021 Bird of the Year Bonanza with ABA President Jeffrey Gordon. The trip ticket includes a 4-pack, and all trip proceeds benefit the birding association. The walk includes a special search for the bird of the year, the pileated woodpecker, and other denizens of coastal southern Delaware woodlands.

The Dogfish Inn in Lewes will provide a warm bed and craft beer as integral parts of the mix this year. Nestled along the canal in historic downtown Lewes near Fisherman’s Wharf, the Dogfish Inn is the Mother Nature basecamp for coastal Delaware, providing beer lovers and adventure seekers alike with fun-filled opportunities to explore the area’s many splendors.

For birding weekend participants, the Dogfish Inn will offer a special lodging package that includes a custom Dogfish Head X Patagonia beanie, a slew of off-centered swag and a 10 percent discount at the brewery’s Rehoboth brewpub and Milton-based Tasting Room & Kitchen. The package also includes a ticket to purchase one 4pk/16oz cans of Binoculager.

With COVID-19 protocols in place, field trips include forays into Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park, the inlet in Ocean City, Heron Park in Berlin, Md., and Newport Farms. Small-group boat tours in Lewes aim to dazzle guests with incredible opportunities to view sea ducks, as well as harbor and gray seals.

Dogfish Head founder and brewer Sam Calagione said the brewery’s nature-centric mind-set made this partnership an easy marriage. “Mother Nature is at the heart of everything we do at Dogfish, because without the natural agricultural ingredients with which we craft our recipes, our beers would not exist. That’s why we are continuously seeking new ways to protect and give back to the Earth, especially in our local community. In fact, our motto here at the Dogfish Inn is, ‘Welcome to Lewes. Mother Nature, Let’s Do This!’” he said.

“In coastal Delaware, we are surrounded by opportunities to explore the great outdoors, and we are lucky enough to have one of the world’s best birding scenes. Through our partnership with Delmarva Birding Weekends, we are hoping to not only encourage folks to get outside and experience the goodness just beyond their doors, but to inspire them to do their part to protect the planet we call home,” Calagione said.

Delmarva Birding Weekend organizers point to local wildlife as the economic engine of the event, now in its 26th year. “Folks all over the East Coast are starting to realize how spectacular the winter birding is here on Delmarva,” said Dave Wilson, event organizer. “Hailing from all over the East Coast, our guests travel here to pair local outdoor experiences with local food and craft beer. It makes perfect sense to unite with Dogfish to bring it all together.”

Guided by fun-loving local birders with decades of experience on the shore, the walking tours and boat trips accommodate visitors from the curious nature lover to fowl fanatics. Last year, birdwatchers from more than a dozen states flocked to the winter event. 

“Delaware is teeming with bird species in winter,” said Southern Delaware Tourism Director Scott Thomas. “And Delmarva is a great place to experience them with the combination of wildlife refuges, local fare, and accommodations like nowhere else.”

Friday and Saturday nights at Irish Eyes in Lewes, guests can enjoy Dogfish Head beer specials as part of the tally rally to count the weekend’s species and relate tales of the day’s exploits. Mask-wearing and social distancing will be required at the rally. 

Afterward, those staying at the Dogfish Inn can enjoy the short walk along the harbor back to their off-centered rooms, where the perks keep flowing. The inn’s outdoor fire pit is perfect for recounting the day’s events or just counting stars. To book the special package, enter ‘Delmarva Birding Weekend’ in the special requests section during online booking, or call 302-644-8292. Field trips and events must be booked separately through Delmarva Birding Weekends.

For event registration and sponsorship information, go to delmarvabirding.com and dogfish.com/inn.