When winter returns to the Merrimack Valley, so do the Bald Eagles. Come celebrate their return on Sunday February 9th from 9-4pm! This annual festival is presented by Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
Activities
Visit Eagle Hot Spots
9:00 am–4:00 pm
Drive yourself! Naturalist guides will be onsite all day along the Merrimack River. Parking available. Maps will be available on February 9. All ages welcome. FREE.
Go on an Eagle Tour
9:00 am–2:30 pm
Let us drive you! Tours start every half hour and take 90 minutes to complete. Departs from Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. Advance registration encouraged. For day-of availability, check at the Chamber of Commerce. Sign up online.
Adults and children ages 6-17 | $10 per adult, $5 per child (ages 6-17)
See a Raptor Show
10:00–11:00 am • 12:45–1:45 pm
Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings presents two educational programs at Newburyport City Hall featuring raptors great and small. First come, first served.
Recommended for adults and children age 6 and over. FREE.
Eagle Festival Photo Tour with Hunt’s
2:00–4:00 pm
Register in advance for this exciting opportunity for in-the-field wildlife photo tips from Hunt’s Photo & Video. Departs from Newburyport Chamber of Commerce.
Adults only | $50 per person
Have Fun with Your Family
10:00 am–3:00 pm
At the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: Family activities, arts and crafts, and more! Special Feature: Live owl presentations from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm.
FREE.
At Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center: Family activities, arts and crafts, and more! Special Feature: Live hawk presentations from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm.
FREE.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have little children. Which of the three live bird shows would be appropriate for us?
We recommend the hour-long raptor shows at City Hall for children ages six and up. For families with younger children, we recommend the shorter, more intimate and flexible raptor demonstrations at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and at Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats.
What’s the difference between visiting an Eagle Hot Spot and going on an Eagle Tour?
Whether you drive yourself to a viewing spot, or you travel by van tour, there will be guides in blue knit hats at each site on the map to help you. If you need flexibility in your day, or if you’re travelling with young children, we recommend driving yourself to the hot spots so you can arrive and leave according to your own wishes. If your Eagle Festival experience allows structure, or if you’re coming with a group, an eagle tour might be right for you.
If your Eagle Festival experience allows structure, or if you’re coming with a group, an eagle tour might be right for you. Don’t forget that there’s more wildlife viewing at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island!
What does it cost to attend Eagle Festival events?
You can participate in several Eagle Festival events for free, including guided eagle spotting in Newburyport, Amesbury, and on Plum Island, as well as live demonstrations of raptors at three different locations. Guided van tours cost $10 per adult and $5 per child (ages 6-17). Specialized photography tours with Hunt’s Photo & Video instructors cost $50 per person.
Online registration for all of these paid opportunities is possible starting in mid-January. Otherwise, there are several chances for you to help with expenses, and we very much appreciate any donations!
Will I see a Bald Eagle?
If the river is frozen, you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing a Bald Eagle. And there are plenty of other species of beautiful winter wildlife in this area—including seals, snowy owls, waterfowl, and falcons. We think you’re going to be amazed!
The Merrimack River Eagle Festival 2019
Newburyport & Amesbury
Saturday, February 9, 2019
