Local sources from Switzerland: Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, Spiegel.
UK coverage: The Guardian.
In an extraordinary twist of fate, the Swiss municipality of Köniz has once again been the setting for a peculiar traffic violation, involving none other than a speeding duck. Captured by a radar trap on April 13, the duck was recorded flying at a brisk 52 kilometers per hour in a zone designated for 30 km/h. This incident, initially reported by the Berner Zeitung, has sparked both amusement and bewilderment among locals and international observers alike, reminiscent of a strikingly similar case that occurred exactly seven years prior at the same location.
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen reported that the avian offender, identified as a mallard duck, seems to have a need for speed, surpassing the legal limit with ease. The local authorities have confirmed the accuracy of the radar equipment, which undergoes annual calibration by the Federal Institute of Metrology, negating any speculation of a hoax or photographic manipulation. Despite the amusing nature of the event, it raises intriguing questions about the duck’s ability to consistently replicate its high-speed flybys, leading to speculation that it could potentially be the same bird, given mallards’ lifespan of five to ten years.
Spiegel added another layer to the story, highlighting the community’s initial skepticism towards the authenticity of the speed camera photo, considering it could be a sophisticated prank or a belated April Fool’s joke. However, the police supervisory authority has confirmed the legitimacy of the incident, dispelling doubts and confirming the duck’s unlikely violation of traffic regulations.
The repeated occurrence of such an event at the same location, involving an avian species known for its relatively fast flight capabilities, has not only attracted attention for its novelty but also sparked a light-hearted debate on wildlife and human cohabitation in urban settings. While it’s unlikely the duck will face any formal reprimand for its speeding, the incident serves as a whimsical reminder of the surprises nature can present in the most unexpected of ways.
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