Springtime is high-fashion season for the ruff. In wetlands across northern Europe and Asia, these medium-sized waders gather in marshes to form leks, which are small breeding areas used for courtship displays. Dominant males (also called independents) like the fancy fellow on our homepage, fluff up their colored and intricately patterned capes and collars and mock fight with each other. Their aim? Each wants to secure a prime spot on the lek to showcase his finery and entice watching females to choose him as a mate.
Making it work—in Norway
Today in History
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A light at the edge of the world
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Belgium celebrates its independence
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Northern cardinal in winterberry bush
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Autumnal equinox
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The story of the poinsettia
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What, no escalator?
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Sundance Film Festival
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Ponta da Piedade rock formations in Portugal
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Dressed to impress
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International Mountain Day
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World Rainforest Day
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Balloons and camels are two ways to catch a ride here
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Mercury in retrograde
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Seattle Central Library, Seattle, Washington
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Books for children of all ages
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Stari Most in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Celebrating Panama s independence
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American bison
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World Meerkat Day
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Barn owl, England
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Welcome to my neck of the woods
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Is this Minecraft headquarters?
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Aura River in Turku, Finland
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Star Wars Day
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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Glacial spires in the fog
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An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
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World Honey Bee Day
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Earth Day
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Trullo buildings in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

