November 10, 2026 | By Sheila GossA great blue heron shelters from rain. Photo by Sheila Goss
The colorful leaves have left us, and so have the leaf peepers.
The reservoir is quiet now, surrounded by the grey and brown of stick season hillsides, with an occasional dusting of snow seen at higher elevations, frost on the shorelines, and some ice in the shady bays and coves.
Vermont Audubon Conservation Biologist Margaret Fowle shares the comeback story of bald eagles in Vermont. Photo by Sheila Goss
Please be sure to take note of the colder water temperatures, and dress for immersion even if you never plan to capsize. Remember that there is a new law in Vermont requiring PFDs to be worn – not just carried – by paddlers and other boaters from Nov. 1 to May 1.
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir had a wonderful crowd at our annual meeting and nature presentation on Oct. 17. The enthusiastic audience learned much about the remarkable return of the bald eagle to Vermont in a presentation by Margaret Fowle of Audubon Vermont.
It was interesting to see that just the week after this presentation, our adult pair of eagles were seen rebuilding their nest on the reservoir. Yes, they are building it in the same spot as the two previous nests that collapsed. And although they may be poor engineers, they seem to be good bird parents, as they have successfully fledged a pair of eaglets each of the past two years. We look forward to seeing their 2027 chicks!
The Rez’s resident eagle pair rebuilds their nest in the same site as their previous two. Photo by Sheila Goss
An adult and juvenile loon on the water. Photo by Sheila Goss
Ben Foltin and his floating state park rangers have been a crucial support in our monitoring of the eagles throughout the season. They also are the most consistent “eyes on” the reservoir’s loon chick, who is doing well and was seen hanging around its parent. Soon the adult will fly off and the juvenile loon will follow. Here’s hoping they each have a safe flight to the ocean!
Following Margaret’s presentation, we were fortunate to hear from others involved at the reservoir. Foltin and Frank Spaulding from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation spoke about the remote camping season and the activities of the rangers. They also discussed why the decision was made to close the day use area on Labor Day.
Kim Jensen from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation explained that state scientists have been studying the discovery of isolated findings of zebra mussels in the Waterbury Reservoir. Though this is obviously a concern, the department will be monitoring the waters. Jensen said they do not expect a massive influx of this awful invasive species. Benjamin Green, the engineer in charge of the Waterbury Dam repair project, provided a timeline for the studies and repairs, indicating that the required drawdown may not occur until 2029 or possibly 2030.
A merlin on the northern edge of the rez. Photo by Sheila Goss
An osprey stares down the camera among the foliage. Photo by Sheila Goss
A spotted sandpiper on the bank. Photo by Sheila Goss
Paddle-o-ween
Folks celebrate Paddle-O-Ween in costume! Photos by Emma Brownlee
A fun late-season event was held on the reservoir towards the end of October, bringing witches, goblins, and other scary paddlers to the day use area. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters hosted Paddle-O-Ween – a festive event on the water similar to others held on lakes around the region this time of year. It’s always a delight to see so many people, and their pups, laughing and sharing their enjoyment on the reservoir.
Hunting season
A young deer in the morning mist. Photo by Sheila Goss
We are now in hunting season, both on land and on the water, so we remind all boaters, hunters, and hikers to be aware of their surroundings and to wear appropriate attire. It is also important to remind all power boaters that the No-Wake Zone remains in effect all year, even if the buoys have been removed.
A moose on a path to the water. Photo by Sheila Goss
A couple of porcupines catch a nap on the shoreline. Photo by Sheila Goss
My canoe was recently nearly swamped by a waterfowl hunter heading out to retrieve his felled duck with his boat in full-speed, large-wake mode. Thankfully, he accepted my courteous reminder about the No-Wake Zone.
We all share the reservoir with our fellow humans and the wide variety of wildlife that calls this area home, so it is important to respect all other users.
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir will be busy in the off-season, planning future projects and deciding on how to best serve the reservoir community. Please feel free to contact us with any comments, ideas, concerns, or questions you may have. This is the final column for the season. We hope you have enjoyed this year’s editions of Ripples from the Reservoir!
Kanotti enjoys a sunny day out on the reservoir. Photo by Sheila Goss
Sheila Goss, of Stowe, is vice president of the nonprofit Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. Learn more and contact the group at friendsofwaterburyres.org.