With a quirky twist to your usual traffic report, a Swiss duck has been caught breaking the speed limit, apparently for the second time in seven years.
On April 13th, local police in Köniz were reviewing routine traffic camera footage when they noticed an unusual offender. The radar recorded a mallard duck zipping through a 30 km/h zone at a breezy 52 km/h (32mph.)
The story took a curious turn when the police uncovered a similar photo from the same date in 2018, featuring what appears to be a remarkably similar duck flying at the exact same speed in exactly the same place. Consequently, this feathered speedster earned itself the nickname “the notorious racer duck” online.
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While some social media users questioned whether this might be an elaborate late April Fools prank, the authorities insist that the images are legitimate because the radar images cannot be digitally altered.
Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology rigorously tests all of their speed camera equipment annually to prevent tampering with radar images. In a Facebook post, the Köniz municipal office leaned into the amusement by inviting the public to puzzle over “the maximum flight speed of ducks.” They even hinted at the possibility of “criminal machinations of animals” jokingly.
Naturally, the online community responded with jokes themselves. Comments ranged from questions about whether the duck will be fined, to humorous theories about time traveling waterfowl and winged vigilantes patrolling the Swiss skies.
While there has been no official announcement on whether the mallard will be summoned to court for breaking speeding laws, the incident has brought a welcome bit of fun to local news. In an era dominated by heavy news, this unexpected headline has people laughing and talking about ducks in ways they haven’t since DuckTales.
For now, the speedy mallard remains at large, cruising the skies of Köniz with the wind beneath its wings and no apparent regard for speed limits. Whether it’s coincidence, a camera glitch, or the most punctual duck in Europe, one thing is clear: not all local legends wear capes. Some just flap their wings really fast.
