Frantic people flapped their arms and motorists feathers were ruffled all because a mother duck took her ducklings on a walk around town on Thursday.
It could only happen in Dannevirke: A traffic snarl-up caused by a duckling family out on a shopping trip in the rain.
Once the feathered family left the safety of the footpaths and ventured out on to the streets, the alarm sounded. Passers-by tried directing the ducks to safety as impatient motorists became frustrated at being caught up in the commotion.
But after the ducks left the relative quiet of Gordon St and headed onto High St, the busy state highway, a woman who wishes to be known just as Colleen, decided she had to come to their rescue.
"It was hard trying to dodge all the traffic," she said. "But then I was helped by an elderly couple and we managed to herd the ducks along High St. They made a diversion down a side street and finally the elderly gentleman and I managed to get them cornered in a side alley, with the help of another good samaritan. I was then able to grab them and take them to the safety of the domain," she said. "The ducks didn't say thanks, but left their calling card. My jersey was covered in duck poo, but at least they were safe."
