Buddy, a Cayuga duck, has become an unexpected resident of Lake Summerside in south Edmonton, but this artificial lake is not where he belongs. After three months of living in the community, the plight of this domestic duck has garnered attention, raising questions about wildlife care and the responsibility of local residents.
A Curious Arrival
Buddy appeared at the man-made lake in the Summerside neighbourhood approximately three months ago. Initially, his presence went unnoticed, but that changed when he found himself in a precarious situation, entangled in a fishing lure. Kim Livingston, the office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, noticed Buddy’s distress and took action. “I called and asked Wild North if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” she explained.
Upon contacting the local wildlife rescue organisation, Livingston was informed that they could not assist Buddy because he is a domestic duck, not a wild one. The Cayuga breed, from which Buddy hails, was developed in New York between the 1830s and 1850s, resulting from a mix of wild and domestic species. While these ducks are known for their hardiness, they are ill-suited to survive the harsh Alberta winters, especially since Buddy lacks the ability to fly.
Life on the Lake
Buddy’s unique appearance—a dark green head, black body with an iridescent blue sheen—clearly distinguishes him from the wild species of ducks typically found in Alberta, such as mallards and northern pintails. Although he appears healthy and content, concerns are mounting about his long-term viability in this environment.
“He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston remarked. She noted that while Buddy forages for food in the lake, he is not receiving the necessary nutrition to thrive. Currently, he is being fed waterfowl food three times daily, but this is merely a stopgap measure until a permanent solution can be found.
The Search for a New Home
A potential new owner has stepped forward—someone with a suitable environment for Buddy, complete with other ducks and geese. However, the challenge remains to coax Buddy away from his current habitat. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him,” Livingston recalled. “He outsmarted us every time.”
To facilitate Buddy’s relocation, a professional bird catcher has been enlisted to assist in capturing him safely. In the meantime, residents and visitors around Lake Summerside have been urged to respect Buddy’s space, recognising that he is under considerable stress.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by domestic animals in the wild. While he may appear content, his situation highlights the delicate balance between human intervention and wildlife management. As communities like Summerside navigate the complexities of animal rescue, it is imperative to consider the long-term implications of domesticated species in natural environments, ensuring that such incidents are handled with care and responsibility.