Ducks Cause Morning Traffic Jam on Main Street

Reserve - Residents and commuters got a delightful surprise this Wednesday morning when a mother mallard and her seven ducklings waddled across Main Street, bringing traffic to a standstill between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m. The small convoy emerged from the grassy median near Elm Avenue and carefully made their way across both lanes, prompting drivers in cars, trucks, and even the 8 a.m. school bus to halt in respect. 

Eyewitnesses say the duck family first appeared at the edge of the roadway just after 8:10 a.m., emerging from a storm drain grate that connects to a nearby drainage ditch behind the Dominion Community Gardens. “I was on my way to drop off groceries when I saw something moving in the gutter,” recalled delivery driver Sarah MacDonald. “At first, I thought it was leaves blowing in the wind. Then I saw the mama duck leading a little parade of fluff balls—so cute, but totally stopped traffic!”

By 8:15 a.m., four cars had lined up behind a red sedan, all courteously giving the duck family right-of-way. School crossing guard Peter Levesque, who was nearby directing children across Elm Avenue, spotted the commotion and gently waved oncoming vehicles to a safe halt. “I’ve seen lots of wildlife around here—rabbits, squirrels—but a whole brood of ducklings right in the middle of Main Street was a first,” Levesque said. “It was heartwarming to see drivers patiently waiting; nobody honked or rushed them. It was like everyone agreed these ducklings were more important than getting to work on time.”

Mayor Esther Collins dropped by after hearing about the traffic delay. “Moments like these remind us of the simple joys of living in Dominion,” she noted. “It’s a small inconvenience for drivers, but it’s also a beautiful reminder that our town shares space with all kinds of creatures. We’re checking with our local conservation office to ensure this duck family finds a safe route to the pond behind the old mill.”

According to wildlife coordinator Megan Fraser of the Dominion Conservation Office, the ducklings likely hatched in a nest tucked somewhere near the drainage ditch. “This time of year, it’s common for mallards to nest close to freshwater sources like ponds or canals,” Fraser explained. “When ducklings first leave the nest, they follow their mother to water for safety and food. Crossing a busy road is risky—they’re small, low to the ground, and vulnerable to traffic. We’ll be setting up temporary warning signs along Main Street for the next few days and placing protected guide ropes to encourage the ducks to cross at a safer, less-traveled spot.” Fraser also reminded drivers to remain vigilant: “If you see wildlife on the road—especially families—slow down and allow them to pass. It’s better to arrive a few minutes late than to chance a tragedy.”

By 8:30 a.m., the mother duck and her brood had safely reached the shallow edge of the pond behind the Dominion Veterans’ Memorial Park. The entire crossing—even with onlookers gathering on sidewalks and children pointing excitedly—took only about fifteen minutes. Local café owner Javier Romano, who witnessed the scene while serving morning coffee, summed it up best: “Everyone in line started cheering when all eight ducks made it across. It felt like we were at a parade—mallard edition!”

Though drivers were delayed for roughly twenty minutes, many reported that the brief pause brightened their morning routine. Resident Linda Cho even captured the event on her phone and shared it on social media, where the video has already garnered hundreds of likes. “People need to see these little moments of community kindness,” she said. “In a world that moves so fast, it’s nice to slow down—sometimes literally—and appreciate nature.”

Municipal crews trimmed back overgrown hedges along Main Street this afternoon to improve visibility, and residents are encouraged to report any ducks or other wildlife in dangerous spots by calling the Dominion Conservation Office at (555) 123-4567. Meanwhile, the duck family can now be found enjoying their new pond habitat—hopefully without any further pit stops on traffic-clogged roads.