Ripples from the Reservoir: Wildlife and humans return to the water
May 1, 2025 | By Sheila Goss
A spotted sandpiper soaks in the sun at the Waterbury Reservoir. Photo by Sheila Goss
Welcome to the first edition of “Ripples from the Reservoir,” a monthly report from the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir. We hope to share updates on life on the reservoir, which may include wildlife sightings, important visitor information, events happening, weather insights and more.
May is here, and the reservoir is coming to life! The herons, sandpipers, geese, ducks, otters, and eagles have returned. Our beavers are busy with their spring splashing and building and seem unperturbed by the fluctuating water levels. Otters are popping up at both ends of the reservoir, and songbirds, turkeys and geese are seen along the shoreline. A community member recently let us know about a great egret sighting. This is wonderful, since a trio of egrets took up residence on the reservoir for about a month in 2024, and it would be nice to have them here again.
We have not seen our loons yet, but are anticipating their arrival soon. In the next two weeks, we will once again be placing a loon nesting raft at the north end of the reservoir, hoping to entice them to nest as they did a few years ago. We certainly don’t need another flood to disrupt any chance they may have! Please respect all our wildlife and give them the distance they need. Human disturbance is a primary cause of nest failure for many birds. Enjoy observing our birds and wildlife from a distance, as this is their home, and we are the visitors.
Anglers are on the water, and reports are that the fish are preferring live bait to lures. Perhaps the water temperatures (52 degrees at the southern end, and 48 degrees at the northern end) are affecting their appetite?
A bald eagle hunts for a meal at the reservoir. Photo by Sheila Goss
Paddlers are grateful that all access areas are open, but we caution those folks about the dangers of the still-cold water. Please dress appropriately for an unplanned immersion, and always wear a personal flotation device. We want the members of our reservoir community to safely enjoy this great resource.
The Friends of Waterbury Reservoir is a non-profit organization committed to protecting, improving, and enhancing the ecological, recreational, and community values of the Waterbury Reservoir. We are planning reservoir cleanup efforts with our community partners, expansion of our fishing line recycling bin program, and community nature education presentations. Please feel free to reach out to us with comments, concerns, or questions! friendsofwaterburyres.org
Waterbury resident Sheila Goss is vice president of the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir.