Snowy Egret standing on grassy island surrounded by water — Snowy Egret @ Clare Carvel

Joppa Flats' 2025 Merrimack River Eagle Festival

Special Event: Saturday, February 15

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.

Bald eagle perched atop a tree, against a pale sky

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.

download Eagle Festival Viewing Sites Map (501 kB)

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.

Bald eagle soaring over water — © David Morris

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

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.