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Flying Duck Caught in Swiss Speed Trap—Again

Image by Gemeinde Köniz via Facebook.

When authorities in the Swiss town of Köniz reviewed footage from their speed camera, they couldn’t believe their eyes. Caught in the middle of a busy road—moving at an impressive 52 km/h—wasn’t a flashy sports car or a reckless biker, but a duck mid-flight. And this wasn’t the first time. Locals have started to believe that this daring duck is a repeat offender, cheekily flouting traffic laws from the skies.

The Unstoppable Feathered Speedster

a flock of ducks standing on top of a dry grass field
Ducks sleeping. Image via Unspalsh

This now-famous duck was first spotted breaking the speed limit last year. Back then, it flew past the cameras at a similarly impressive speed, drawing both laughter and confusion from authorities. Despite increased monitoring, the bird seemed determined to live life in the fast lane—quite literally. While most ducks stick to ponds and park benches, this one clearly prefers the open road—or rather, the airspace above it. With wings outstretched and a sense of mischief, it seems to relish its high-speed flybys.

Too Fast for Fines

Duck
Male mallard duck. Image via I, Acarpentier, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Though the duck was caught red-handed—or red-beaked?—there’s no fine heading its way. Unlike human speedsters, this feathered rebel doesn’t have a license to lose or a bank account to fine. The Swiss police can only shake their heads and chuckle at the bird’s antics. “This duck might just have the cleanest record in the country—no fines paid and no points on a license,” joked one officer.

Locals Embrace Their High-Flying Outlaw

Mallard Duck
Mallard ducks are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, from urban ponds to remote marshes, making them one of the most widespread duck species in Illinois. Image by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash.

Residents have started affectionately referring to the bird as “Speedy.” Some even claim to have spotted it practicing high-speed sprints along the river before taking to the skies. For them, Speedy has become a local legend—proof that even in a highly organized society, a little bit of rebellion still finds a way.

A Reminder That Not All Speedsters Drive Cars

Cracked corn is a favourite when it comes to feeding ducks.
Image by Elena G via Unsplash.

While speed traps usually catch reckless drivers, this cheeky duck reminds us that the unexpected can happen anywhere—even in the skies. Though it might not be obeying traffic laws, Speedy’s harmless antics have brought smiles to many and a light-hearted story in the midst of everyday life. For now, the Swiss speed cameras will stay alert. But something tells us this duck isn’t done just yet. Who knows—next time, it might break its own record.

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Latest posts by Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology (see all)
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