Ducks saved from having to play chicken

Ducks waddling in a Dunedin suburb often have a devoted human companion shepherding them along the footpath and across the road.

Jeff Alexander, of Helensburgh, has two broods that welcome his hospitality, as well as his travel guidance.

‘‘They’ve got pretty good road sense,’’ Mr Alexander said.

Ducks that visit his Centennial Ave property are rewarded with rolled oats, steamed rice, bird seed and sugar water.

Mr Alexander accompanies the ducks and ducklings as they wander ‘‘home’’ to a stream about 500m away.

That includes crossing streets such as Wakari Rd.

It is a return journey Mr Alexander has been making three or four times a day.

He did not name the ducklings, because they were too hard to distinguish from each other.

He was also a little wary of becoming too emotionally attached to them, although the birds appeared to be content with his company.

Mr Alexander said he had looked after duck broods for about three years.

Reduced traffic flow had been a new element for the travelling parties in the past fortnight.

‘‘Out of every lockdown there’s a silver lining.’’

grant.miller@odt.co.nz