Come to Newburyport to celebrate the return of migrating eagles back to the Merrimack River Estuary! The Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge have teamed up to bring an entire day of free events centered around the wonders of the Bald Eagles that have come to take seasonal advantage of the Merrimack River habitat.
Come to the Eagle Festival for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities, and learn more about these magnificent birds and the habitat they share with us. Festival features include:
- Eagle-spotting locations along the lower Merrimack with on-site interpreters
- Bus tours guided by expert birders starting in downtown Newburyport
- Live raptor demonstrations at Newburyport’s City Hall
- Children’s nature activities and live bird demonstrations at Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
Visit Eagle Hotspots 9am-4pm
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Maps will be available the day of the event at all festival headquarter sites, or go to our website to print a map. You’ll be able to drive yourself to each spot, where naturalist guides will be onsite all day. All ages welcome.
Go on an Eagle Tour 9am–1:30pm
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Guided tours start every half hour and take 90 minutes to complete. Reservations required. Go to www.massaudubon.org/eaglefestival2018 to register online. All Eagle Tours depart promptly from the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce at 38R Merrimac Street. For adults and children age 6 and over. Suggested donation: $5.00 pp.
See a Raptor Demonstration 10-11am or 12:45-1:45pm
- Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings presents two educational programs at Newburyport’s City Hall featuring raptors great and small. First come, first served. Recommended for ages 6+.
Pose for a Photo with a Live Raptor 11-11:30am or Noon-12:30
- Hunt’s Photo & Video will take your photo with a raptor for a $10 donation to the Eagle Festival. Newburyport Chamber of Commerce. Limited availability. Go to www.massaudubon.org/eaglefestival2018 to reserve a session or first come, first served.
Have Fun with Your Family! 10am– 3pm
- At the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
- Family activities, arts and crafts, and more! Special feature: Live owls from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (11:00-3:00).
- At Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center
- Family activities, arts and crafts, and more!
