On Monday, October 5, 2026, Mass Audubon hosted its 23rd Annual Duck Derby. While the nor'easter ruffled a few feathers and postponed the race from its original date the week before, the ducks arrived ready to make a splash.
On a spectacular autumn morning, 1,469 rubber ducks took to the Slocum River, racing toward the finish line and a chance to claim top honors. The beloved community tradition brought together sponsors, volunteers, and Mass Audubon staff for a day of friendly competition and fundraising in support of conservation, environmental education, and meaningful connections with nature across the region.
Racing Rubber Ducks Raises Critical Funds
The excitement began as staff and volunteers teamed up to haul a giant net brimming with ducks to the race course on the Slocum River, sending thousands of eager racers bobbing toward the finish line.
Thanks to your incredible support, more than $13,000 was raised for conservation, environmental education, and meaningful experiences in nature. Your contribution is helping Mass Audubon protect over 1,600 acres of coastline, marsh, meadow, and woodland across Southeast Massachusetts while funding wildlife research, habitat restoration, community science, youth education, and accessible outdoor experiences that connect people of all ages with the natural world.
Rest assured—not a single duck was left behind! To protect our waterways and ensure a safe, sustainable race, floating booms were used to keep all ducks within the designated course. After the event, every last duck was carefully collected, cleaned, and securely stored for future races.
Congratulations to Our Winners
Our Grand Prize winner, Eric Strand from Marion, MA, sponsored "Sox," who flocked to the front of the pack, earning a first-place finish and the $5,000 grand prize.
Congratulations to all our winners! And thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support Mass Audubon—your involvement fuels our work to protect the nature of Massachusetts.
| Position | Prize | Duck Name | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Place | $5,000 Cash Prize | Sox | Eric Strand |
| Second Place | Backyard Habitat Transformation | George | Jacqualyn Fouse |
| Third Place | Coastal Birds Expedition | Elvin | Sheryl Robinson |
| Stealth Duck | Up Close & Wild | Scarlett | Jerry Block |
| Slacker Quacker | Mass Audubon Swag Bag | Webster | Kimberly Poulton |
Thank You to Our Volunteers, Sponsors, and Participants
A special thanks to all the volunteers who supported this year’s Duck Derby, both leading up to and on race day. Your hard work and dedication make this incredible event possible, and we are deeply grateful for your tremendous support!
We also extend huge thanks to our generous Duck Derby sponsors.
- Lead Quacker Backer: The Bayside Restaurant
- Supporting Quacker Backers: Fiber Optic Center, Inc. and Whaling City Sound
- Additional thanks go to our community partner: South Coast Harvest Festival
Their support ensures all duck sponsorship fees directly support Mass Audubon's work.
Members Make a Difference
Your support makes all the difference! If you were not able to sponsor a duck this year, please consider becoming a Mass Audubon member or donating to protect the nature of Massachusetts.
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