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Nestled on the shores of Lake Summerside in south Edmonton, Buddy the Cayuga duck has made himself comfortable, but this isn’t his true home. For the past three months, Buddy has been a curious presence at the man-made lake, drawing attention from locals. “He seems pretty happy, he seems pretty healthy,” remarked Kim Livingston, the office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association. However, Buddy faces challenges that could jeopardise his well-being.
An Unexpected Visitor
Buddy first appeared at Lake Summerside around three months ago, and initially, his presence went unnoticed. It wasn’t until he became entangled in a fishing lure that concerns started to arise. Livingston reached out to Wild North, a local wildlife rescue organisation, in hopes of securing assistance for the duck. “I called and asked Wild North if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” she explained.
Upon sending pictures of Buddy, the rescue team informed her that they could not intervene, as he is a domesticated breed. Cayuga ducks, like Buddy, were developed in New York between the 1830s and 1850s, deriving from a mix of wild black ducks and other domestic varieties. While this breed is known for its resilience against cold climates, Alberta’s harsh winters present a significant threat to Buddy, who is unable to fly.
The Challenges of Survival
“He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston noted. With winter fast approaching, Buddy’s chances of survival diminish. Although he has access to foraging opportunities in the lake, Livingston pointed out that he is not receiving the proper nutrition. “Not only will he not survive in the winter without shelter, but he’s also not getting the right food,” she added.
Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times daily, but this is merely a stopgap measure. The urgency to relocate him has heightened as winter looms closer, and plans have been set in motion to find him a more suitable home.
A New Hope and the Challenge Ahead
Fortunately, a new owner has been identified who already has a flock of ducks and geese, providing Buddy with a potential community. However, the next hurdle is convincing Buddy to leave his lakeside abode. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him. He outsmarted us every time,” Livingston recounted, highlighting the challenge of relocating a bird that has grown accustomed to his environment.
To assist with the capture, an expert bird catcher has been scheduled to arrive this weekend. Meanwhile, local residents and visitors are encouraged to give Buddy space and avoid disturbing him as efforts to safely relocate him commence.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s situation underscores the complexities of wildlife management and the delicate balance between human activity and natural habitats. As urbanisation encroaches on wildlife spaces, incidents like Buddy’s serve as reminders of the responsibility we hold to ensure the safety and well-being of all creatures. By fostering awareness and compassion, communities can better respond to the needs of displaced wildlife, promoting a harmonious coexistence between nature and urban life.