Naturalist Mike Callahan of Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center will present an interactive program with live birds at the Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Photo credit: Robert Sullivan
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating 250 years of America’s rich natural heritage and the birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System at its annual Eagle Festival on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This free, family-friendly event focuses on the bald eagle and other birds of prey, with educational programs and exhibits featuring live birds and reptiles, hands-on activities, and refuge tours.
Programs in the big tent will kick off at 9:30 am with naturalist Jim Wilson as he shares the magnificent world of owls. At 11:00 am, and again at 2:30 pm, naturalist Mike Callahan of Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center presents an interactive program with live birds focusing on bald eagles and other native raptors of Maryland. At 12:30 pm, learn about falconry and the healing power of nature with this interactive program by Master Falconer Rodney Stotts.
Live birds of prey and reptiles will be on display throughout the Visitor Center, with exhibits from the Salisbury Zoo, Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center, and Maryland Scales and Tales.
Guided tours will be available throughout the day, including eagle prowls and tours of Wildlife Drive. Registration for tours will begin at 9:30 am the day of the festival (no pre-registration). “Early birds” to the Eagle Festival can meet at the refuge’s Environmental Education Building on Wildlife Drive at 8:00 am for a guided birding tour with Terry Allen.
There will be no shortage of fun for children at the Eagle Festival. Activities include build-your-own wren nesting boxes, owl pellet exploration, face painting, and make-your-own wildlife buttons, bird masks and postcards. Kids’ “make-and-take” activities will run throughout the day while supplies last. Kids can also try their skills at a youth archery range and the National Wild Turkey Federation’s BB gun range. In addition, families can enjoy a “StoryWalk®” along the Woods Trail with the picture book “Over in The Forest.”
Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the day, provided by Boy Scout Troop 532. Programs and activities take place at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center as well as in large, heated tents adjacent to the building. Pets are not permitted. A free shuttle is available from satellite parking. Entrance to the Festival, the Wildlife Drive, and all activities are free thanks to the support of the Friends of Blackwater and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information and a program schedule, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater, or call 410-228-2677.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, closed captioning, or other accommodation needs to 410-228-2677 (TTY 800-877-8339) or fw5rw_bwnwr@fws.gov by close of business February 20, 2026.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 33,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or @BlackwaterNWR.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov.
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