Buddy, a Cayuga duck, has found himself quite at home at Lake Summerside in south Edmonton. However, this picturesque man-made lake is not where he belongs. Residing there for the past three months, Buddy has drawn the attention of local residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike, leading to efforts to ensure his well-being as the seasons change.
A Friendly Visitor
Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, first noticed Buddy about three months ago. “He seems pretty happy, he seems pretty healthy. He’s a big boy,” she remarked, acknowledging the duck’s robust appearance. Initially, his presence was not concerning; however, an incident involving a fishing lure raised alarms about his safety.
After Buddy became entangled in a fishing lure, Livingston reached out to Wild North, a local wildlife rescue organisation, to assess the situation. “I called and asked if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” she explained. Unfortunately, the organisation informed her that they could not assist, as Buddy is a domestic duck, specifically a Cayuga, a breed that originated in New York in the 19th century.
The Challenges Ahead
Alberta is home to a variety of wild duck species, such as mallards and northern pintails, but Buddy’s distinct features—his dark green head and black body with an iridescent blue sheen—confirm that he is not a native. While Cayuga ducks are known for their hardiness and adaptability to cold weather, the harsh winters of Alberta pose a significant threat to Buddy, especially since he is unable to fly.
“He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston shared, expressing her concern. “Not only would he struggle to survive without shelter this winter, but he’s also not getting the proper nutrition despite foraging in the lake.” Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times a day, but this is only a temporary measure to ensure his immediate well-being.
A Plan in Motion
Recognising the need for a more permanent solution, a new owner has been found for Buddy, someone who has other ducks and geese. However, the challenge now lies in coaxing him away from the lake. Despite several attempts, Buddy has proven to be quite elusive. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him. He outsmarted us every time,” Livingston admitted with a hint of frustration.
To facilitate Buddy’s transition, experts in bird-catching are scheduled to assist over the weekend. In the meantime, locals enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Summerside are being urged to respect Buddy’s space, allowing him a peaceful environment as efforts to relocate him get underway.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s plight highlights the broader issues surrounding domestic animals in the wild and the impact of human activities on wildlife. As urban areas encroach on natural habitats, incidents like Buddy’s serve as a reminder of the complexities of wildlife management and the importance of ensuring that all creatures, domestic or otherwise, have a safe and suitable environment. As the community rallies to help this duck, they also engage in a larger conversation about animal welfare and environmental stewardship in an ever-changing world.