Buddy, a Cayuga duck, has become a well-known presence at Lake Summerside in south Edmonton, but his unexpected stay has raised concerns about his well-being. Having arrived at the man-made lake approximately three months ago, Buddy seems content, but he’s far from home. Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, noted, “He seems pretty happy; he seems pretty healthy. He’s a big boy.” However, Buddy’s situation took a turn for the worse when he became entangled in a fishing lure.
A Call for Help
Livingston’s concern for Buddy’s health escalated after witnessing the duck struggling with the hook in his bill. She promptly reached out to Wild North, a 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,” she recounted. After sending photographs of Buddy, Livingston learned that, unfortunately, the rescue could not help as he is a domestic breed.
Cayuga ducks, like Buddy, were developed in New York State during the 19th century, stemming from wild black ducks and other breeds. Although this breed is known for its hardiness and adaptability to colder climates, Alberta’s harsh winters pose significant threats to Buddy, who, notably, cannot fly. “He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston explained, highlighting the urgency of the duck’s predicament. “Not only will he not survive in the winter without shelter, he’s not getting the proper nutrition, despite foraging in the lake.”
The Search for a New Home
Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times a day as a temporary measure. However, this approach is not sustainable long-term. Fortunately, a potential new owner has been identified who possesses other ducks and geese, making it essential to facilitate Buddy’s transition. “The next challenge is convincing Buddy it’s time to leave the lake,” Livingston noted.
Previous attempts to catch Buddy have proven fruitless, with Livingston and her team spending two hours trying to capture him, only to be outsmarted at every turn. To aid in this effort, an expert bird catcher is scheduled to assist over the weekend, aiming to ensure Buddy’s safe relocation.
Community Involvement
As efforts to help Buddy continue, residents and visitors to Lake Summerside are encouraged to maintain a respectful distance from the duck. This not only protects Buddy during this vulnerable time but also allows for a more successful rescue operation. The community’s support has been instrumental in raising awareness about Buddy’s unusual predicament and the importance of wildlife rescue.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s story underscores the critical intersection of urban wildlife and human intervention. As more domestic species find themselves in unfamiliar environments, it raises questions about our responsibility toward these animals. The ongoing efforts to relocate Buddy illustrate the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife preservation, highlighting the need for thoughtful approaches to animal welfare amidst the challenges posed by urbanisation.
