A peculiar case of avian speeding has captured attention in central Switzerland, where local authorities have recorded a mallard duck significantly exceeding the posted speed limit. The incident occurred in the town of Koeniz, with official speed cameras documenting the feathered speedster traveling at 52km/h in a designated 30km/h zone on April 13th.
In a development that has bewildered officials, this appears not to be the duck’s first traffic violation. Authorities have identified a strikingly similar radar image from precisely seven years earlier – April 13th, 2018 – showing what appears to be the same species of duck, flying at identical speed, captured by the same camera.
While some observers have speculated this might be an elaborate prank or delayed April Fool’s joke, Koeniz police have emphasized the technical impossibility of manipulating images within their radar system. They note that all traffic monitoring equipment undergoes annual certification by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology, with all photographic evidence properly sealed and authenticated.
The incident raises interesting questions about the natural flight capabilities of mallards, which typically maintain cruising speeds between 40-60km/h, though they can reach higher velocities when necessary. This particular duck’s measured speed falls well within normal range for the species, but significantly exceeds human traffic regulations for the area.
The unusual traffic violation has sparked considerable public interest, with social media users responding humorously to the town’s announcement. Koeniz officials have acknowledged the amusing nature of the situation in their communications, inviting the public to contemplate these “curious coincidences” and the “criminal machinations of animals.”
This unusual case highlights the unexpected intersection between wildlife behavior and human traffic monitoring systems. While the technology was designed to enforce speed limits for vehicles, it occasionally captures other fast-moving objects that enter its detection zone.
The duck remains at large, and no enforcement action has been announced regarding the mallard’s traffic violations.
