THE SPECIES ‘RUFF’. In Spanish Combatiente. Latin - Philomachus Pugnax.

Living in Spain we sometimes see a Ruff in winter plumage. I have seen them many times but this winter has been different as we have been restricted with where we can go. San Pedro del Pinatar has always been very good for the ones that overwinter near where we live. Up to yesterday thanks to my eagle-eyed co-driver we only have seen one this winter. 

Now we had four in one hit and one in ‘breeding plumage’. A first for three of us and Bryan’s second. Collins Bird Guide devotes half of one page to this species and there is much to know. So, the question is, have these birds been with us for our winter or are they passing through to their breeding grounds in Northern Europe. Now I want to see one with a full head-dress. That has to be a sight! For now we will have to make do with our sighting and this photograph of Bryan’s from 2018 and Michelle’s from yesterday.

Petrola 2018, Bryan Thomas