In a rather peculiar turn of events, a domestic Cayuga duck, affectionately named Buddy, has made Lake Summerside in southeast Edmonton his temporary home over the past three months. While Buddy appears to be thriving in this man-made oasis, concerns are mounting about his long-term welfare, especially with the harsh Alberta winter looming ahead.
Buddy’s Arrival and Initial Concerns
Buddy, with his striking dark green head and iridescent blue sheen, caught the attention of local residents shortly after his arrival. Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, noted that the duck seemed content and healthy. However, a troubling incident occurred when Buddy became ensnared in a fishing lure, prompting Livingston to seek assistance from 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,” Livingston explained. Unfortunately, upon assessing Buddy’s situation, the organisation informed her that they were unable to assist because he is a domestic breed, not a wild duck.
The Nature of the Cayuga Duck
Cayuga ducks were developed in New York State during the 1830s to 1850s, originating from a combination of wild black ducks, the Black East India, and the Rouen. While this breed is generally robust and can adapt to colder climates, the frigid Alberta winters present a significant challenge for Buddy, who is unable to fly. “He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston said. Furthermore, despite foraging in the lake, Buddy’s diet is insufficient for his needs.
Livingston expressed her worries, stating, “Not only will he not survive in the winter without shelter, but I also read that he’s not getting the proper nutrition.”
Attempts to Relocate Buddy
Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times daily as a stopgap measure. Fortunately, a new owner has been identified, who has other ducks and geese, providing a potential new home for Buddy. However, coaxing the clever duck away from his lake sanctuary has proven to be a formidable challenge.
“We spent about two hours trying to catch him,” Livingston recounted. “He outsmarted us every time.” To assist in the effort, an expert bird catcher is scheduled to arrive over the weekend to help with the delicate task of relocating Buddy.
In the meantime, residents and visitors enjoying the serene surroundings of Lake Summerside are urged to maintain a respectful distance from Buddy, allowing him to feel secure as efforts to find him a more suitable home continue.
Why it Matters
The plight of Buddy the duck highlights a broader issue regarding the welfare of domestic animals that find themselves in unfamiliar environments. As urban areas expand, incidents like Buddy’s become increasingly common, reminding us of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife. Ensuring the safety and well-being of animals like Buddy is crucial, not only for their survival but also for fostering a harmonious relationship between communities and their natural surroundings.