Arizona has 14-regularly occurring species of hummingbirds (a jealousy-provoking number for many of North America’s birders). Many of these species are migratory, and their return announces the productive months of spring and the coming summer. Last year, to celebrate these birds, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company released the first Western Rivers Brewers’ Council-branded beer, Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison. We hoped that this year’s influx of hummingbirds would inspire Arizona Wilderness to brew another batch and…

Good news! Hummingbird Springs is back and will be available at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company’s Gilbert and Downtown Phoenix locations beginning Saturday, May 11th.  When you stop by for this delicious tart saison dry hopped with Citra and Lemondrop, don’t forget to stop by and say hi to Audubon Arizona staff!  We will be there from 11am-2pm giving out native wildflower seeds that we hope you’ll use to benefit birds at home.

In 2018, Hummingbird Springs helped us start conversations about the importance of rivers, water, and native plants to birds and other wildlife. We will be doing the same this year, but this time we’re taking it a step further. To give back to the birds that inspired the brew, Arizona Wilderness will be opening its Downtown Phoenix location to our Conservation Workday volunteers this fall to install Audubon’s first bird-friendly beer garden!

Read on to learn more about the garden, how to get involved, and about other conservation efforts inspired by Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison.

• Downtown Phoenix Bird-Friendly Beer Garden
  
  We know it might seem a little suspicious that we’re looking to bring great birding to our most office-adjacent craft brewery, and we’re not saying you won’t ever see us there with beer and binoculars in hand, but really – it’s for the birds.  It’s our hope that a bird-friendly beer garden in the heart of Downtown Phoenix will inspire countless visitors to use their outdoor spaces to benefit birds and other wildlife. When it comes time for installation in the fall, we’ll need your help.  For now, check out our Plants for Birds program to learn how you can start on some bird-friendly habitat of your own.
   
• Take Action for Western Rivers
  
  Brewers know that an adequate and reliable water supply is critical to their craft. Audubon knows that it is critical to healthy rivers, habitats, birds, and other wildlife. Since the first release of Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison, Western Rivers Brewers’ Council members have been inspired to create a number of collaborative brews, helping us motivate people to take action for Arizona’s rivers.
  
  Celebrate the return of Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison by taking action alongside your favorite Arizona craft breweries – join the Western Rivers Action Network today!
   
• Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day
  
  May 11th isn’t only the release date for Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison, it’s also the 26th annual World Migratory Bird Day!  Each year, the day comes with a theme around which people can take conservation action for birds and their habitats.  This year’s theme, “Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution”, is a perfect fit for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company - their 4-packs are already made from 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.  Also, be on the lookout for new packaging as they are working on a reliable 4-pack that is 100% compostable.
  
  Don’t have the ability to recycle at home?Don’t stress! You can drop off any old 4-packs during the Hummingbird Springs Tart Saison release on Saturday, May 11th.

Opportunities to take action for birds and their habitat are not in short supply – but Hummingbird Springs Saison is!  Be sure to visit us at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company in Downtown Phoenix or Gilbert this Saturday, May 11th, to get yours before it flies off the shelves.