In a heartwarming yet concerning tale, a domestic Cayuga duck named Buddy has become an unexpected resident of Lake Summerside in south Edmonton. For the past three months, Buddy has called this man-made lake home, but with winter approaching, local residents are increasingly worried about his survival. Efforts are underway to find him a more suitable environment, but capturing the clever duck has proven to be a challenge.
Buddy’s Unexpected Arrival
Buddy first appeared at Lake Summerside approximately three months ago, much to the delight of local residents. Kim Livingston, the office manager of the Lake Summerside Residents Association, noted, “He seems pretty happy, he seems pretty healthy. He’s a big boy.” However, it soon became clear that Buddy was not a native to Alberta’s waters.
The distinctive dark green head and black body with an iridescent blue sheen indicated that Buddy is a domestic breed, specifically a Cayuga duck. This breed originated in New York State during the 19th century, but unlike their wild counterparts, Cayugas are not equipped for life in the wild—especially in harsh winter conditions.
A Call for Help
Concerns became urgent when Buddy got entangled in a fishing lure, prompting Livingston to reach out to Wild North, a local wildlife rescue organisation. “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 team informed her that they could not assist, as Buddy is not a wild duck.
Despite being a hardy breed capable of withstanding cold temperatures, Buddy faces significant challenges. He is unable to fly, which leaves him vulnerable and reliant on the temporary care of well-meaning locals. “He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston added. “Not only will he not survive in the winter without shelter, but even though he’s foraging in the lake, he’s not getting the proper nutrition.”
Finding a New Home
Currently, Buddy is being fed a diet of waterfowl food three times a day, but this arrangement is not sustainable. Fortunately, a potential new owner has been identified, someone who already has other ducks and geese. The next step involves persuading Buddy to leave his lakeside haven and move to a more suitable location.
Efforts to catch Buddy have proven difficult, as he has managed to evade capture repeatedly. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him. He outsmarted us every time,” remarked Livingston. To improve their chances, an expert bird catcher is scheduled to assist with the capture over the weekend.
In the interim, lake visitors are being encouraged to respect Buddy’s space, allowing him the comfort he needs while awaiting his transition to a new home.
Why it Matters
The story of Buddy the duck serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by domestic animals in the natural world. It highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, particularly in ensuring that domestic animals are not abandoned in environments where they cannot thrive. As communities grapple with the impacts of climate change and urban development on local wildlife, Buddy’s plight underscores the need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable species, both wild and domestic.