19th Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival - Saturday, February 15, 2025

2025 Merrimack River Eagle Festival 

Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

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 Eagle 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. 

Registration is not required to join viewing locations and on-site activities.  

Free Family-Friendly Activities & Raptor Presentations 

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

Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport 

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.  

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

10:00 am - 3:00 pm  

Enjoy raptor themed crafts from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, as well as live raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. 

 Help Rescue Our Raptors 

Eagles, owls, hawks, and other predators balance our ecosystems. But hundreds of these majestic animals die every year after eating rodents poisoned with second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs). Mass Audubon is supporting local initiatives in towns and cities across Massachusetts to reduce and regulate the use of these dangerous rodent poisons. 

 Eagle Festival Programming 

Enhance your eagle celebration by joining an in-depth look at eagles with a Mass Audubon Teacher Naturalist. Advanced registration is required.