Ruff (Calidris pugnax)

Who doesn't fantasize about elegantly dressed knights that battle against each other in a tournament for the patronage of a noble lady? Knights are a thing of the past, however ruffs still practice this habit. Unfortunately, this spectacle has practically disappeared in the Netherlands. The days when this country served as a last stop and nesting area for thousands of ruffs are long gone. Even though onaly a handful still nest in the Netherlands, they still come here during migration to Central Africa, where they spend the winter.

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