NEWBURYPORT — The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is offering the following free programs. Space may be limited, and advance registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise indicated. Call 978-465-5753 to register. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Note that outdoor programs may be canceled if there is inclement weather. Visit us on the Web for more information http://parkerriver.fws.gov or call refuge headquarters. The refuge visitor center is at 6 Plum Island Turnpike.
"Behind the Scenes" refuge tour
Held on the following days: Thursday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 9:30 a.m.
Join a refuge ranger for a behind-the-scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief "drive-by" stops along the way. The tour will present an "up close and personal" look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. Participants will visit areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. This guided, two-hour program is most appropriate for adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the refuge visitor center. Each session is limited to 10 participants.
Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation.
The Merrimack River Eagle Festival
Saturday, Feb. 11
All free
Presented by Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Visit Eagle Hot Spots, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Naturalists will show visitors bald eagles from sites along the Merrimack River. Maps will be available the day of the tour at all festival headquarter sites. All ages welcome.
Go On an Eagle Tour, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tours start every half hour and take 1 1/2 hours to complete. Reservations required. Call 978-462-9998 to reserve seats. All eagle tours depart promptly from the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce at 38R Merrimac St. For adults and children age 6 and over.
See a Raptor Demonstration, 10 to 11 a.m. or 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility presents two educational programs at Newburyport's City Hall featuring raptors great and small. First come, first served. Recommended for ages 6 and over.
Pose for a photo with a raptor, 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. or 12:30 to 1 p.m. Hunt's Photo & Video will take your photo with a raptor for a $10 Eagle Festival donation. Newburyport City Hall. Limited availability. Call 978-462-9998 to reserve a session or first-come, first-served.
Have Fun with Your Family, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters: Make an eagle button or dissect an owl pellet.
Special features: Owls from Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center: Make an eagle nest and play nature games.
Special features: Hawks from Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
For more information on this event, call 978-462-9998 or 978-465-5753.
www.massaudubon.org/eaglefestival
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver/
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