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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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It’s oh so quiet
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Porto Cathedral, Portugal
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Happy Fat Tuesday!
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Bridge to infinity
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International Day of Human Space Flight
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March of the flowers
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Happy Canada Day!
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Fallow deer, Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England
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World Environment Day
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Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
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Lizard of mystery
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Sequoia National Parks 134th anniversary
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High alpine color in Colorado
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Fall comes to Pando
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Shakespeare Day
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That bill s just not going to fit
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A walk among the giants
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Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli, Italy
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Pearl of the Adriatic
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A peek behind the royal curtain
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They’re grrrape!
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Celebrating Helsinki’s birthday at the Kiasma Museum
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Welcome to El Cervantino
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Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California
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Longer days mean warmer sand
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Golden larches and Prusik Peak, the Enchantments, Washington
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Portland celebrates its bounty
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Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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Great horned owl
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Pollinator Week
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

