In an unusual twist of fate, Buddy, a Cayuga duck, has taken up residence at Lake Summerside in south Edmonton, much to the concern of local residents and wildlife advocates. Having arrived at the man-made lake three months ago, Buddy’s well-being is now a pressing issue, especially with the harsh Alberta winter on the horizon.
A Domestic Duck in Need of Help
Buddy’s presence initially went unnoticed until he became entangled in a fishing lure, prompting Kim Livingston, the office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, to take action. “He seems pretty happy, he seems pretty healthy,” Livingston remarked. However, her concern for the large domestic duck grew when she realised he was not suited for life in the wild.
Livingston reached out to Wild North, a local wildlife rescue organisation, hoping they could assist. “I called and asked Wild North if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” she explained. Unfortunately, the rescue group informed her that they were unable to help Buddy because he is a domestic breed.
Understanding Buddy’s Background
Cayuga ducks, like Buddy, were developed in New York between the 1830s and 1850s from a mix of wild black ducks, the Black East India, and the Rouen breed, according to Oklahoma State University’s animal and food sciences department. While they are known for their resilience in cold conditions, Buddy faces significant challenges in Alberta, especially since he cannot fly. “He’s stuck here,” Livingston noted, highlighting that without proper shelter, his survival through the winter is doubtful. Despite foraging in the lake, Buddy is not receiving adequate nutrition.
A Plan for Buddy’s Future
Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times daily, but this is merely a stopgap measure. The local community has successfully located a new owner for him, someone who already has other ducks and geese. However, the next hurdle is persuading Buddy to leave his lakeside abode. Attempts to catch him have proven fruitless, with Livingston admitting, “He outsmarted us every time.”
To facilitate Buddy’s relocation, an expert bird catcher is scheduled to assist this weekend. Meanwhile, residents and visitors at Lake Summerside are urged to give Buddy the space he needs during this challenging transition.
Why it Matters
The plight of Buddy the duck serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife and domestic animals in urban settings. As communities become increasingly involved in the welfare of local wildlife, it raises important questions about human responsibilities towards domesticated animals left to fend for themselves. Buddy’s story not only highlights the need for awareness and action in animal welfare but also underscores the delicate balance between nature and human intervention in our rapidly changing environment.