Markku Nikki (Finland) highlights the impressive jumps and flamboyant plumage that are part of the male ruff’s mating display.
Each spring, Markku documents the spectacle at a communal display ground or ‘lek’, on an area of boggy ground in Sápmi. Male ruffs gather at leks to compete for females.
This time, the fighting was quiet but intense. The birds’ rapid movements required a fast shutter speed (1/2000 second) so that Markku could freeze the action.
Certain features of ruffs’ plumage match their behaviour during the mating season. Those with dark head tufts hold territories on the lek, whereas the lighter-plumed males loiter on the outskirts, avoiding conflict and hoping for a chance to mate.
Finland
Markku has been exploring and photographing nature for almost 50 years. He loves capturing birds flying or going about their business. Markku not only captures photos in Southern Finland where he lives all year round but also makes trips to Finnish Lapland and Northern Norway’s Arctic Ocean. His photos have been used in Finnish magazines and on postcards and calendars, and he’s had competitive success in both national and international competitions.
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