A Rare Ten Eagle Sighting in Newburyport
Today I experienced one of the most remarkable wildlife moments I have ever seen in Newburyport. While out shooting at Joppa Flats near Plum Island, I counted up to 10 bald eagles gathered in the same area at the same time. After years of photographing and observing wildlife across New England, this is the largest number of eagles I have ever seen together in one place.
What stood out immediately was the mix of birds. Three were full adults with the classic white head and tail, and the rest were juveniles with darker mottled plumage. Seeing both adults and juveniles working the same feeding area made the scene even more dynamic, and you could clearly see the difference in behavior and confidence between the mature birds and the younger ones.
They were highly active and focused on feeding. Several unlucky birds and a goose had become part of the food chain, and the eagles were competing, circling, landing, and repositioning constantly. It was intense, loud, and completely unscripted. Moments like this are a reminder that nature is not staged or gentle. It is powerful, efficient, and very real.
I am often asked how I am able to capture such close and detailed eagle images when these birds are usually far off in the distance. For these photographs I was using a Nikon Z 9 paired with a Nikkor 800mm prime lens and a 1.5 tele extender. That combination gives me extreme reach while still maintaining strong image quality, which is critical for wildlife work like this where getting physically closer is not possible and should not be attempted.
Joppa Flats continues to be one of the best locations on the North Shore for wildlife photography and bird activity, especially in the colder months when eagle sightings increase. Even so, seeing this many at once is something special and not an everyday occurrence.
This is exactly why I keep heading out with my camera, even on days when conditions are uncertain. You never know when you are going to witness something rare right in your own backyard. Newburyport and the Plum Island area continue to deliver incredible moments for those willing to be patient and keep watching.
