The City of Great Falls Park & Recreation Department will be releasing waterfowl back into Gibson Pond on Monday, April 6 at 10:30 am.
The event was originally scheduled for Friday, April 3, but has been re-scheduled due to the weather forecast, which includes widespread precipitation, cooler temperatures, and gusty winds. Widespread accumulating snow is expected Thursday night, with the snow gradually tapering off as we go through Friday morning/afternoon.
The Great Falls Public Library (301 Second Avenue North) will be hosting crafts, make your own duck snack, and Story Time at 9:30 am. before the duck release.
Each year in October, city workers put on their waders and pick up rakes to walk around in the pond, nudging the flightless birds toward a pen. They are then driven a few hundred yards north to what is known as "Honker Hilton."
Video from 2025:
Through the colder months, the birds are kept inside for their own safety as many have clipped wings.
Park & Recreation staff care for the birds throughout the winter. The birds also have an indoor pond inside their winter residence.
Then each spring, the birds take a short ride in a trailer from their cozy winter abode on the north side of park ("Honker Hilton") back over to the pond and released.
The annual event is free and open to all.
Video from 2024:
