Merrimack River Eagle Festival

The Merrimack River Eagle Festival is an annual February event that has often caught my interest, but it seems we always found other (warmer) things to do.  Not so this year! We bundled up for the 20 degree weather and headed for the eagle trail that stretches between Amesbury, Newburyport, and out to the end of Plum Island.  This festival is sponsored by the Mass Audubon Society at Joppa Flats.

We started at Deer Island and met up with a small group of birders and 2 Mass Audubon volunteers.  They pointed out 2 trees in the distance where 2 juvenile Golden Eagles were perched.

Next, we headed out to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge out on Plum Island.  Even though we didn't see any eagles out there, it is a really cool marsh area with lots of walking trails - we will definitely revisit on a warmer day!

And of course, no trip to Newburyport would be complete without stopping in town for some refreshment.  The Sea Level Oyster Bar fit the bill!