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The Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) is an old world species that is a rare but regular migrant to western Alaska. The species may sometimes visit almost anywhere in the lower 48 states, but it is always a special treat to find one. In May, 2012, I visited Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska in the Bering Sea. While there we saw a group of 22 Ruffs which stayed around for a few hours. Most of the time the birds were directly toward the sun from me, but I got a shot or two of one individual which is posted here.