At Lake Summerside in south Edmonton, a Cayuga duck named Buddy has unwittingly made himself a temporary resident. This striking bird, with his dark green head and black body shimmering with iridescent blue, has captured the hearts of locals since his arrival three months ago. However, as the seasons change, concerns are growing regarding his wellbeing and the pressing need for a more suitable environment.
Buddy’s Unexpected Arrival
Buddy appeared at the man-made lake located in the Summerside neighbourhood about three months ago. Initially, his presence went unnoticed, but things took a turn when he became entangled in a fishing lure. Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, expressed her concern when she learned of the situation. “I called Wild North, the local wildlife rescue, to see if they could assist him,” she explained. “I was worried about the hook caught in his bill.”
Upon reaching out, Livingston was informed that Buddy, being a domestic breed, did not fall under their care. “They asked for photos, and when I sent them, they advised they couldn’t help him,” she recounted.
A Domestic Duck in a Harsh Climate
Buddy is a Cayuga duck, a breed developed in New York State between the 1830s and 1850s from wild black ducks and other breeds. While Cayugas are known for their hardiness, the harsh Alberta winters pose a significant threat to Buddy, especially as he is unable to fly. “He’s stuck here,” said Livingston. “Without proper shelter, he won’t survive the winter. Although he forages, I’m concerned he’s not getting the right nutrition.”
Currently, Buddy receives waterfowl food three times a day, a temporary solution at best. The lake offers a serene setting, but it is not equipped to meet all of his needs.
The Search for a New Home
Fortunately, a new owner has been identified who already has ducks and geese. The challenge now lies in convincing Buddy to leave the lake. Efforts to catch him have proven to be quite the challenge. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him, but he managed to evade us every time,” Livingston said, laughing at how clever Buddy has been.
To facilitate the relocation process, an expert bird catcher has been scheduled to assist over the weekend. Until then, residents and visitors to Lake Summerside are encouraged to give Buddy his space, allowing him to remain undisturbed during this crucial time.
Why it Matters
Buddy’s story highlights a broader issue regarding the care and management of domestic wildlife in urban settings. As human activities encroach upon natural habitats, animals like Buddy often find themselves in precarious positions, removed from their natural environments and ill-equipped to survive. Efforts to rehome such animals not only serve to protect them but also reflect our responsibility to ensure that wildlife, both domestic and wild, can thrive in harmony with their surroundings. As Buddy’s plight continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and environmental stewardship.