18th Annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival

The 18th annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival is back!

Come to Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury on Saturday, February 17, 2024, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn more about these magnificent birds, as well as other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them.

Visit Viewing Sites Along the Merrimack River

Join us at the best eagle viewing locations! Our naturalist guides will be available to inspire and educate you about these magnificent birds of prey. Eagle Festival brochures, location maps, and lots of raptor information and activities are available at Joppa Flats Education Center, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, and Newburyport City Hall.  
Update: Lowell's Boat Shop is no longer a staffed viewing location. Please visit Andrew's Boat Shop half a mile to the east on Main Street.

Open to all ages. Registration not required for viewing locations and on-site activities, however we have registration-only outdoor programming for families and adults.

These additional programs are at a special reduced fee thanks to our lead sponsor, Newburyport Bank, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Please consider carpooling, parking is limited. Appropriate footwear and clothing are advised, some sites may be snowy or icy.  

Joppa Flats Education Center
Family activities, arts, and crafts, information on Bald Eagles and other raptors. Live Raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm.  

Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
Family activities and more all day.

Newburyport City Hall 
Mass Audubon swag and gifts table, membership and volunteer information available 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Live Raptor presentations at 10:00am and 12:00pm. 

Parking for City Hall at 60 Pleasant Street, Newburyport, is on street parking with additional lots nearby. Restrooms are available and handicap accessible.  

Friends & Sponsors
Lead Sponsor
Newburyport Bank

Partner
US Fish & Wildlife Service

Friends
Jamie Frontiero | REALTOR®
The Poynt Newburyport
Agave Mexican Bistro
Angie's Food and Diner
Audubon Shop at Joppa Flats Education Center
Essex Street Inn
Loretta