Buddy, a Cayuga duck, has made himself a home at Lake Summerside in south Edmonton for nearly three months, but the man-made lake is far from his natural habitat. Kim Livingston, office manager at the Lake Summerside Residents Association, has been observing Buddy’s antics and health. “He seems pretty happy, he seems pretty healthy,” she remarked. “He’s a big boy.” However, this domestic duck is in a precarious situation, raising concerns among local residents and wildlife advocates alike.
A Duck Out of Water
Buddy arrived at Lake Summerside about three months ago, and initially, his presence went unnoticed. It wasn’t until he got ensnared in a fishing lure that the community became concerned for his wellbeing. Livingston reached out to Wild North, a local wildlife rescue organisation, to seek assistance for Buddy’s injury. “I called and asked Wild North if they would take him, as I was concerned about the hook in his bill,” she explained.
Despite his charming appearance, Buddy is not a native species. With his distinctive dark green head and iridescent blue sheen, he stands apart from the common mallards and northern pintails typically found in Alberta. His lineage traces back to a breed developed in New York State during the 19th century, making him a domestic duck rather than a wild one. Unfortunately, Wild North informed Livingston that they could not assist, as Buddy is a domestic breed and not suited for the wild.
Challenges of Survival
Buddy’s situation is further complicated by his inability to fly, making him vulnerable to the harsh Alberta winters. “He can’t take off from here, so he’s stuck,” Livingston noted. “Not only will he not survive in the winter without shelter, but I also read that even though he’s foraging in the lake, he’s not getting the proper nutrition.” While Lake Summerside provides some food, it is insufficient for his long-term health.
Currently, Buddy is being fed waterfowl food three times a day as a temporary measure, but this is not a sustainable solution. Fortunately, a new owner has been found who possesses other ducks and geese, offering Buddy a chance for companionship and a better living situation. The next hurdle is convincing Buddy to leave his current abode.
The Quest to Catch Buddy
Efforts to capture Buddy have proven challenging. “We spent about two hours trying to catch him,” Livingston recounted, frustration creeping into her voice. “He outsmarted us every time.” The community is now turning to an expert bird catcher scheduled to arrive over the weekend to assist in coaxing Buddy away from the lake. Until then, residents enjoying the lake are being urged to respect Buddy’s space and provide him with the safety he needs during this transitional period.
Why it Matters
The situation surrounding Buddy the duck illustrates the delicate balance between wildlife, domesticated animals, and human intervention. While he may appear content in his lakeside surroundings, the reality is that Buddy’s presence poses risks not only to himself but potentially to local ecosystems as well. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities we hold towards animals that find themselves out of place in our urban environments. As Buddy’s journey unfolds, it calls for greater awareness and proactive measures to ensure the wellbeing of both domestic and wild species in our communities.
