In Dripping Springs, encountering wildlife isn’t unusual. Between the deer, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and armadillos, you’re bound to come across a critter or two on a regular basis.
But drive through the Caliterra neighborhood, and you’ll want to watch for ducks.
Around here, ducks aren’t just another animal; they’re friends that everybody knows by name. Or... names. Depending on who you ask, they’re Huey, Duey, and Louie—or Ollie, Zoomie, Jasper, and Cow.
There aren’t all that many Caliterra ducks. Rumor has it that the O.G. ducks, who landed near the retention pond a few years ago, were hatched and hand-raised. Perhaps that’s why they feel more like beloved pets than wildlife.
Since then, those original four have been joined by a few friends who also seem to enjoy life in this ‘hood—and they’ve stuck around.
For many families, the ducks have become part of daily life. Near the center of the neighborhood, they can usually be found splashing in puddles, waddling through the grass, or enjoying a leisurely swim in the pond. Children often gather to gently offer snacks and attention.
“We look for them on walks and every time we circle the roundabout,” says Holland Spilker Millham.
Of course, the ducks keep their own schedule.
Nearly every day, cars must slow and patiently wait while the ducks casually cross the street. “They don’t have a care in the world,” laughs Elizabeth Ault.
And ducks don’t always cooperate with traffic management efforts. Jill Fry recalls pulling over to herd them back toward the water after they wandered into the road, only to discover the ducks had followed her back to her car instead.
Fortunately, most residents seem happy to accommodate the occasional duck-related delay. “I love them being here because when they cross the road, everyone has to slow down,” says Amy Gawlik. “It’s a reminder not to rush everywhere.”
Like many residents, Gawlik has her own duck story. She remembers the day her dog broke free from its leash, jumped into the pond, and swam straight toward the ducks. To her great relief, the birds escaped.
“I seriously thought we’d be banished from the neighborhood if she got one,” Gawlik says with a laugh.
She’s only half joking. Locals have grown quite fond of their feathered neighbors, and bright yellow “duck crossing” signs near the pond remind drivers to be careful. The signs feel less like warnings and more like a community acknowledgment: This is their home too.
The community has also been careful about protecting nests. This summer, several tiny, fuzzy ducklings joined the flock, delighting residents who eagerly watched the next generation make its debut.
Beyond the smiles and occasional traffic delays, the ducks have become a reminder to appreciate the nature all around us. When Kelsey Borgeson took her young daughters out to practice wildlife photography, the ducks quickly became their favorite subjects.
“They spent their morning quietly watching, photographing, and admiring the birds,” she says. “What began as a photography lesson became an opportunity to slow down, appreciate nature, and see our neighborhood through fresh eyes.”
Although ducks are hardly rare in Texas, in Caliterra they are something special.
“For us, the ducks are familiar friends who bring a little extra joy and wonder to our everyday drive in and out of the community,” says Borgeson.
And in a world that moves quickly, these ducks serve as a simple reminder: Take a breath, look around, and love your neighbors—feathered or not.