Mass Audubon 2025 Duck Derby Winners Announced

Ladies, gentlemen, and rubber duck enthusiasts everywhere, it’s time to reveal the winners.

The 22nd Annual Duck Derby at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary came to a lively close on Friday, October 3, as the community gathered at the historic Stone Barn to celebrate conservation, preservation, and of course, crown this year’s fastest little quackers.

This year’s race raised over $23,000 in support of Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program, protecting vulnerable species like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers, while restoring vital coastal habitats. Thousands of sponsored ducks made the high-stakes paddle along the Slocum River, and five lucky winners floated to the top.

First Place – Duck Name: Maisie

• Sponsor: Ellen Brezniak (Westborough, MA)
• Ducks Entered: 20
• Maisie crossed the finish line first, giving Ellen the first pick of this year’s unique experience-based prizes, from a Stone Barn Soirée, to a Drumlin Farm picnic with animal encounters, or an Osprey-viewing boat trip up the Westport River.

Second Place – Duck Name: Quakenduck

• Sponsor: Susan Barnett (Lenox, MA)
• Ducks Entered: 1
• With just one duck in the water, Susan’s lone entry made quite a splash, earning her second place honors.

Third Place – Duck Name: Mack

• Sponsor: Kathleen Turner (Philadelphia, PA)
• Ducks Entered: 7
• Mack paddled strong to secure third place, proving luck was on Kathleen’s side this year.

Special Awards

Stealth Duck: Iz

• Sponsor: Robert Newman (Duxbury, MA)
• Ducks Entered: 4

This randomly selected “just-for-fun” entry earned Robert a Mass Audubon swag bag.

Slacker Quacker: Rothy

• Sponsor: Colleen Richards (Norwell, MA)
• Ducks Entered: 7

Sometimes last place still wins big — Colleen will receive a one-year Mass Audubon Family Membership.

A Celebration Beyond the Race

While the winners walked away with memorable prizes, Mass Audubon reminded attendees that the real victory lies in the impact of every duck sponsorship. Together, the community is helping to safeguard shorebird populations, restore salt marshes, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

READ MORE: SouthCoast’s Mass Audubon Duck Derby Raises $23,000 for Conservation

As Lyra Brennan, Director of Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program, put it: “Every duck entry supports vital conservation work that protects our coastlines and the birds that depend on them. It’s a fun way for families, neighbors, and entire communities to be part of something bigger.”

So while Maisie, Quakenduck, and Mack take home the spotlight, the true winners of the 2025 Duck Derby are the birds, habitats, and communities that benefit from this valuable tradition.

Kudos to the quacks!

Here's some photos from the Duck Derby of previous years: