On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, four Common Goldeneyes arrived on the Merrimack River about midway between the Aiken and Bridge Street bridges. The four males, including one juvenile (trailing in the photo), were diving repeatedly just off the Lawrence Mills wasteway—about 30 yards upstream from the Tsongas Center.*
Here's a very brief history:
On December 18, 2021 two dozen Common Goldeneyes landed in the same area where the four vanguards were seen feeding on Tuesday. And last January 12, an even larger group of goldeneyes arrived accompanied by various other species of diving ducks. So, the mid-November arrival was not only a pleasant surprise, it was unprecedented in Lowell.
Today, November 20, the number of Common Goldeneyes seen foraging on the river increased to nine — six males (including the juvie) and three females. And a pair of Buffleheads trailed the goldeneye group about 30 yards downstream.
Interestingly, on November 7, a young pair of Mute Swans (photo below) dropped by to explore the area. They haven't been seen on this stretch of the river since. The swans found plenty of forage along the river's edge, so they may return at some point. Judging by the story of the family of six swans that unfolded over a three week period last winter — you never know.
Nevertheless, so far, the 2025/2026 winter season on the Merrimack River in Lowell looks promising indeed!
A young pair of Mute Swans explore the Merrimack River.
*See map on page 2 of the book for the general location.