Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 15, 2025, for an exciting day packed with indoor and outdoor activities celebrating the return of Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent creatures and other amazing raptors while exploring the vital role our local habitat plays in their survival.

Visit Viewing Sites Along the Merrimack River

Head to the best eagle-viewing locations around Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury, where our naturalist guides will answer all your questions and teach you about these amazing birds of prey.

Bring binoculars or a scope if you have one. Please consider carpooling, parking is limited. Appropriate footwear and clothing are advised, some sites may be snowy or icy

Free Family-Friendly Activities & Raptor Presentations

On-site activities are free, open to all ages, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

10:00 am-3:00 pm  

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.  

Location: Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport

10:00 am-3:00 pm  

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.

Location: Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Eagle Festival: Everything Eagles!

Join us at a popular viewing area to spot Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River and learn about behaviors such as soaring, fishing, and showing courtship displays. Using sound effects, props, and group role play, you'll stay active and warm outdoors as you and your family learn together. Three date and time choices!

Families - children 5 - 12 years

Admission:

Adult Members $16
Adult Nonmembers $20
Child Members $14
Child Nonmembers $18

Location: Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Eagle Festival: Guided Bald Eagle Tours

We are offering adult only birdwatching tours during the 2025 Merrimack River Eagle Festival. Ride in a Mass Audubon six-seated van (five adults and one of our expert birding guides), to hotspots for viewing eagles and other raptors along the Merrimack River and surrounding area. The locations visited will be determined the day of the tour, and will be based on where Bald Eagles are being seen.

Limited to 20 participants per tour time - so register early, these will fill up fast!

You'll have a choice of ONE of the times offered when you register -

Morning tour: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Afternoon tour: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Cost:

Adult Members $65
Adult Nonmembers $85

Location: Newburyport and vicinity

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Eagle Festival: Bald Eagle Viewing for Teens

This youth program will take place at a popular viewing area to see Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River. You'll learn how to spot an eagle in flight, observe their behaviors, and learn how to identify Bald Eagles at their different stages of life. We will use binoculars, field scopes, and bird guides. You'll stay warm as you participate in group games and challenges.

Cost:

Child Members $18
Child Nonmembers $22

Location: Newburyport and vicinity