Ripples from the Reservoir: Mid-November edition
November 9, 2025 | By Sheila Goss Wildlife educator Kassian Jensen with barred owl, Hartland, during a well-attended Nov. 1 presentation at the annual meeting of the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. Photo by Rob Hofmann
No drought this month! November has arrived with rain, snow, and wind, making outings on the now grey and drab reservoir rather interesting. Cold water temperatures require the use of thermal protection and, of course, a personal flotation device when boating.
Recently, water levels have been high, and the Cotton Brook access area was flooded for a few days, requiring my canoeing down the access road to get onto the reservoir. The water level for the reservoir can be checked at this link. “Normal” level for the reservoir is 589.5 feet.
Wildlife activity has dropped dramatically in the past two weeks, though there have been sightings of loons, deer, heron, beavers, otters and coyotes. Duck hunters are on the water, and deer and bear hunters are in the woods along the shoreline.
A sculler on the water recently in bright yellow. Photo by Sheila Goss
We once again remind folks to wear bright colors when recreating on or around the water this time of year. Even scullers, taking advantage of the calm and quiet waters, are wearing highly visible attire.
Our adult eagles have been seen carrying sticks to the collapsed nest, so it appears they may be rebuilding for nesting in 2026.
The young eaglets have flown to find their own territories, though they have been seen flying in the southern end of the reservoir.
We have created a presentation documenting the monitoring of this nest through 2025 and are available to visit to share it with any organization that may be interested.
Everyone enjoying outdoor recreation this time of year is advised to wear bright colors. Photo by Sheila Goss
Avian visitors
On Nov. 1, the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir held our annual meeting at St. Leo’s Hall in Waterbury. The business portion of the meeting was preceded by a live bird presentation by the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. What an amazing turnout!
Over 200 community members attended for a fascinating, exciting, and intriguing presentation by wildlife educator Kassian Jensen. The standing-room-only crowd learned about the barred owl, American kestrel, and eastern screech owl that Jensen handled, as well as facts about many raptors that we may encounter in Vermont.
The birds in attendance are permanent residents at VINS Nature Center in Quechee. The center is an official wildlife rehabilitator, working with game wardens and tending to injured, ill and orphaned birds in Vermont and New Hampshire. VINS staff care for a variety of resident raptors, songbirds, and reptiles. Those that make full recoveries are released back into the wild. Those with conditions that make them unable to live independently in the wild remain at VINS as “ambassador birds,” and often travel to community presentations such as this one in Waterbury.
The friends were pleased that so many were able to remain after the VINS presentation for the annual business meeting.
Winter safety on the reservoir
Handy tips on ice safety. Click to enlarge. Graphic courtesy of Friends of Waterbury Reservoir
As the snow begins to fall, Ripples from the Reservoir will take a winter hiatus, returning in April. We hope that you can get out and enjoy the reservoir all winter long, whether you cross-country ski, snowshoe, hike, ice fish, ride snowmachines, or hunt. Please be careful out there and mindful of ice thickness conditions. (see chart)
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir value our community. We hope to see you all next spring!
More on VINS: The VINS Nature Center is open year-round for visitors. Its upcoming winter event, A Forest of Lights, will illuminate its grounds with thousands of lights for visitors to stroll along with a campfire, hot chocolate, cider and snacks. It will run Nov. 21 through Jan. 3. More details online at vinsweb.org/event/a-forest-of-lights-2025-26/.
Sheila Goss, of Stowe, is vice president of the nonprofit organization, Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. Learn more and contact the group on their website, friendsofwaterburyres.org.