The Ruff was seen at 8:15 this morning by Levin Willey of the Talbot County
Chapter of MOS.  Later in the morning (10:00 to 11:15), I also saw the bird
- in the light rain - in the company of three Greater Yellowlegs and a
couple of Killdeer.  Levin came along again while I was there.   The bird
was feeding quite actively amongst the Yellowlegs, and as a group they gave
excellent opportunity for comparisons.  The Ruff clearly displayed a shorter
bill and a slightly more stocky overall appearance, but the by far clearest
attribute was the pronounced marking of scapulars which gave a very scaly
appearance.  The Ruff occasionally took on a more disheveled look when the
wind hit it, tertials and scapulars both.  These birds seem to be quite
prone to 'bad hair (feather) days'.
 
On the way home, near Blackwater Refuge, I saw a mid-air collision between
two Robins.  A flock of about 30 was flying up from a ditch as my truck
approached.  About 6 feet off the ground, two Robins collided, and one of
the two even fell to the ground.  It quickly righted itself and flew tardily
off toward its group.  It seems amazing that bird mid-air collisions do not
happen often, but I certainly have never seen one before.
 
    Les Roslund
 
Les Roslund

Talbot County
Easton MD 21601