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
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Put your helmet on, we’re going for a hike
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Harvest time in the Palouse
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In celebration of America’s national bird
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Provence blooms with lavender at Sénanque Abbey
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Reflections of the night sky
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For the love of bikes
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Brotherly cubs
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It s National Camera Day. Get the picture?
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A good time in the Badlands
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Pasadena Chalk Festival supports local arts education
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Celebrating 200 years of statehood
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A tree of many memories
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A universe underground
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Welcome to the pack
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Satellite image of sand and seaweed in the Bahamas