The South Canal gate opened more slowly than expected this afternoon after autumn debris collected around one lower hinge. A small cargo boat waited on the west side while a maintenance worker cleared leaves and checked the chain. Before the opening was wide enough for the boat, three ducks passed through in single file.
The boatman waited. A fourth duck approached, reconsidered and turned back. This caused a short but intense debate over whether the crossing was now clear. The maintenance worker ruled that canal access does not depend on duck consensus and opened the gate fully.
The cargo boat passed without incident. The hinge has been cleaned and will be checked again next week. The ducks returned to the same spot ten minutes later and have made no commitment regarding future cooperation.
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