Special Event: Saturday, February 14
9:00 am-3:00 pm
Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities that celebrate the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent eagles and other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them.
Visit Eagle Viewing Sites Along the Merrimack River
Join us at the best eagle-viewing locations around Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury. Our naturalist guides will be available to inspire and educate you about these magnificent birds of prey.
Bring binoculars or a scope if you have one! Please consider carpooling, as parking is limited. Appropriate footwear and clothing are advised; some sites may be snowy or icy.
Registration is not required for viewing locations and on-site activities at Joppa Flats or the Parker River National Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters.
Free Family-Friendly Activities & Raptor Presentations
10:00 am-3:00 pm
On-site activities are free, open to all ages, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Specially guided educational programming is also available by pre-registration online only. Sign up early, space fills quickly. Program description and registration links are listed below.
Eagle Festival brochures, including viewing site location maps; raptor information, and family activities are available at Joppa Flats Education Center and our event partner Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, located across the street.
Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport
Enjoy fun raptor-themed family activities, including crafts and tabletop science. Experience engaging live raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm.
Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport
Join us from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for raptor-themed crafts and insights into our Rescue Raptors campaign, plus live raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm.
Eagle Festival Special Programming
Enhance your eagle celebration by joining an in-depth look at eagles with a Mass Audubon Teacher Naturalist. Advanced registration is required.
There are currently no upcoming programs. Please check back again soon.
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