Ripples from the Reservoir | Early Fall edition
September 28, 2026 | By Sheila Goss
A two-day old loon chick is tucked under an adult’s wing, protected from an eagle overhead. Photo by Sheila Goss
As we look to the hillsides and mountains around the Waterbury Reservoir, it is obvious that summer has faded, and the colors of autumn are upon us.
We certainly hope that you have been able to get out on the water this season to enjoy the fabulous experiences that this local resource offers.
This has been a busy summer for those of us at the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir, and our efforts to protect and improve the reservoir will continue into fall and beyond.
Eaglet practicing its “fierce raptor” face. Photo by Sheila Goss
Wildlife update
The eaglets are doing well, flying further afield from their parents and exhibiting growing independence. It will be interesting to see if, once again, the adults rebuild their nest in the same tree.
The reservoir’s loon chick continues to grow, and though it is a bit younger than most 2026 chicks, it should be strong enough to fly off to the ocean in late October, after its parents have already left the area. We wish it safe travels and hope to see it when it returns to Vermont in a few years.
When we post photos of river otters on our social media, many people seem surprised that we have otters here at the reservoir. It is always wonderful to see them, not only to watch their antics, but to realize that the presence of otters means that our fresh water is a healthy ecosystem. According to AmericanRivers.org, “otters exhibit robustness and resilience to climate disruption events like strong storms, drought, sedimentation, and temperature shifts” — all conditions we have seen here in Waterbury!
Otter with a hefty breakfast. Photo by Sheila Goss
Annual meeting and bald eagle presentation
If you have been following the tale of our growing eagle family and have enjoyed watching these magnificent birds soar above the water, please take note of a special event that the Friends are hosting in October.
An eagle flying with blood on its beak. Photo by Sheila Goss
Cormorant and goose sharing a peninsula. Photo by Sheila Goss
On Oct. 17, at 1 p.m., the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir will host a presentation at St. Leo’s Hall in Waterbury featuring Margaret Fowle, the conservation biologist and program manager with Audubon Vermont’s Priority Bird and Working Lands Initiatives. Margaret has been coordinating peregrine falcon and bald eagle recovery and monitoring efforts in Vermont since 1997. Her talk titled “The Bald Eagle’s Comeback in Vermont” will educate us about the natural history, population trends, and impressive recovery of eagles in Vermont and beyond. This is a free community event, so please save the date!
A Friends’ business meeting will follow the presentation, which is open to all community members interested in our activities.
Other guests will include Dam Safety Engineer Benjamin Green, who will provide the reservoir community an update on the dam repairs and likely drawdown currently scheduled for the summer of 2028 through 2030.
Park Manager Ben Foltin with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation will attend to report on Waterbury Reservoir park activities from this summer. Also from state parks, Statewide Project Coordinator Frank Spaulding will answer questions about goals and decisions affecting the Waterbury Reservoir.
Rangers heading out to place new buoys. Photo by Sheila Goss
Other reminders
Fall provides some of the most beautiful paddling and boating weather, especially in early mornings when the colorful trees are reflected on the mirror-like water. We again remind folks that waterfowl season is also a fall event, and hunters will be on the water and in the nearby woods. Please be sure to wear highly visible clothing when boating, especially when paddling around marshy areas or in the morning fog.
It is also important to remember that even though the fall air may occasionally seem warm, the water is getting colder, and being safe is being smart! Wear a life jacket and dress for possible immersion.
Also, know that Vermont has a new Life Jacket Rule. On June 16, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed Senate bill S.326 into law. This omnibus bill includes language requiring mandatory life jacket use from Nov. 1 through May 1 each year for all individuals on an open deck while the vessel is underway, though hunters are exempt from this requirement. This law is designed to address the well-documented risks associated with cold-water incidents.
Stay safe out there, enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, respect wildlife, be kind to other reservoir users, and please check out the reservoir’s beautiful new No-Wake Zone buoys.
We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 17.
Sheila Goss, of Stowe, is vice president of the nonprofit Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. Learn more and contact the group at friendsofwaterburyres.org.