December 21, 2025
New! Automated SlideShow!
In lieu of a book sequel to Waterfowl Winterfest, the events of the 2025-26 winter migration season are covered via the blog and an automated slideshow.
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New! 2025-26 SlideShow
December 17, 2025
Squirrel foils Red-tailed Hawk juvie.
Abandoning the chase, the young Red-tailed Hawk flew up to a thick river birch branch and scoured the nearby area for another opportunity to snatch a meal.
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Seven-month old Red-tailed Hawk
December 15, 2025
2025 Mallard Jamboree
Between the frigid days of December 7–9, hundreds of migrating Mallards descended upon the Merrimack River in Lowell for their annual duck jamboree.
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Synchronized flying—Mallard females
December 9, 2025
Common Mergansers arrive!
Ten Common Mergansers are seen on the river just beyond the Tsongas Center. They join a Common Goldeneye group already entrenched in the area.
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Common Merganser male surveys the area.
December 8, 2025
Mute Swan female finds her mate!
The spectacle makes me wonder if the Mallards and Mute Swans are being influenced by the sight and behaviors of the diving ducks in the vicinity.
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A mass of Mallards engage a diving frenzy.
December 7, 2025
A Mute Swan family reunites!
I continue on my way towards the bridge and find the father had indeed found his mate and their one offspring. They're a tight group, with the parents side by side, nuzzling against each other.
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A Mute Swan family explores the Riverbend.
December 6, 2025
24 Buffleheads arrive!
As I arrive, I notice the swans in dabbling mode only a few yards from about two dozen foraging Buffleheads.
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Two dozen Buffleheads in the Riverbend
December 5, 2025
How many ducks, you ask?
Today’s weather is 19 degrees and sunny. When I saw the report this morning, I couldn't wait to get down to the river. It's the coldest day thus far on the lead up to the winter season.
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Migrating geese use the river as a rest stop
December 3, 2025
Arctic ducks number 57 ...
On this day, I count 57 diving ducks on the Merrimack River between the Aiken and Bridge Street bridges.
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Common Goldeneyes drift about the river
November 24, 2025
New arrivals touch down ...
Twenty-one Common Goldeneyes and a pair of Buffleheads have touched-down on the river about midway between the bridges—up from four on Nov. 18.
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Return of the Common Goldeneyes
November 20, 2025
The Goldeneyes are back!
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, four Common Goldeneyes arrive on the Merrimack River about midway between the Aiken and Bridge Street bridge.
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Mute Swan pair on a day trip to Lowell
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