In a heartwarming yet concerning tale, a Cayuga duck affectionately named Buddy has made Lake Summerside in south Edmonton his temporary home. While he appears to be thriving, local residents and wildlife advocates are increasingly worried about his long-term well-being, particularly as winter approaches.
Buddy’s Unlikely Journey
Buddy arrived at the man-made lake in the southeast Edmonton neighbourhood roughly three months ago. Initially, residents thought little of his presence; however, concerns grew when he became ensnared in a fishing lure. Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, took immediate action, reaching out to Wild North, the local wildlife rescue organisation, for assistance.
“I called and asked Wild North if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” said Livingston, highlighting her commitment to the duck’s welfare.
An Out-of-Place Resident
Despite Alberta being home to a variety of duck species, such as mallards and northern pintails, Buddy stands out with his distinctive dark green head and iridescent blue sheen. These features clearly indicate that Buddy is not a native of the region. He is a Cayuga duck, a breed that originated in New York State in the mid-19th century, developed from wild black ducks and other breeds. While known for their hardiness and ability to withstand cold weather, Alberta’s harsh winters pose a significant threat to Buddy, particularly as he cannot fly.
“He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston explained. “Not only will he not survive the winter without shelter, but he’s also not getting the proper nutrition from foraging in the lake.”
A Community Effort
While Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times a day by local residents, this is merely a stopgap measure. Fortunately, a new owner has stepped forward, offering Buddy a more suitable environment populated with other ducks and geese. However, the challenge remains: how to persuade Buddy to leave his current habitat.
“We spent about two hours trying to catch him,” said Livingston. “He outsmarted us every time.” To assist with this delicate operation, an expert bird catcher is scheduled to arrive over the weekend, aiming to safely relocate Buddy to his new home.
Residents enjoying the lake are being urged to respect Buddy’s space during this process, as the community remains hopeful for a successful outcome.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s situation is more than just a local curiosity; it underscores the importance of community engagement with wildlife and our responsibility towards non-native species. As urban environments expand, instances like Buddy’s become increasingly common, reminding us of the delicate balance between human habitats and natural ecosystems. Ensuring a safe and suitable future for Buddy not only serves his needs but also highlights the broader narrative of wildlife conservation in an ever-changing world.
