Germany- Bird of the Year 2013

The Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) was bird of the year in Germany 2013. Although not yet on the threatened list the numbers have declined steadily over the years mainly due to habitat destruction from field drainage and agriculture. Snipe are migratory and  breed in marshy areas of northern Europe and northern Asia. Snipe have always been  popular  as gamebirds and hunting continues within its range. The pictorial postmark cancels the commemorative stamp of Jasmund National Park famous for its massive chalk cliffs but also home to many snipe in the marshes and wetland areas.

Denmark- Common Kestrel ( Falso tinnunculus)

Denmark 2004 Birds of Prey- from the 4v set is this small raptor a Common Kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus) which belongs to the kestrel group of the Falcon family ( Falconidae). It is widespread over Europe , Asia and Africa. In Britain, it is the only kestrel which has a brown plumage.
 Postmarked in Sydjyllands, Denmark

Czech Republic- Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

From the latest  Karlstejn National Park nature sheet from the Czech Republic comes a Common Buzzard - a  medium to large sized bird of prey  seen all over Europe with their range extending to Asia. THe Buzzard is flying over the  High Gothic castle Karlsteyn  built by Czech king and Roman Emperor Charles 1V in 1348.   Postmarked from Vodochody.

Netherlands - Birds 1994 & 1995

Netherlands 1995 Birds of Prey
 Red Kite  (Milvus milvus),  Hen Harrier   ( Circus cyaneus), Common Kestrel   ( Falco tinnunculus )

1994 Fepapost

Garganey  ( Anas querquedula),  Bluethroat  ( Luscinia svecica) , Barnacle Goose    (Branta leucopsis )

South Korea - Eagles

Posted from Seoul in Korea a  couple of definitive stamps, a 2000 Black-crowned Night heron and the 2002 Chinese Grosbeck to make up the rate with the two eagle stamps which are from the 2009 Philakorea commemorative sheet for the exhibition.

Sweden- Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)

Sweden- 2002 from a two stamp booklet commemorating the South polar expedition 1901-1903

Malta - European Storm Petrel ( Hydrobates pelagicus)

Malta has issued less than 40 bird stamps so I feel very lucky to receive one on a cover. Here you see the 2010  European Storm Petrel ( Hydrobates pelagicus)  from a 4v  for the International year of Biodiversity.

Canada - Grey Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)

Here's late usage of a 1968 bird stamp on a recent  cover from Ville St Georges, Canada

Christmas Island - White-tailed Tropicbird ( Phaethon lepturus)

We look forward to the end of the year when Christmas Island issues it's colorful stamps in time to be used on Christmas mail from Australia and it's Territories. Not to be disappointed this year we see a White-tailed tropicbird flying close to the hot air balloon where you see a Frigate bird and the ubiquitous crabs and a frog.

Singapore - Chinese Egret ( Egretta eulophotes)

Arrived in the mail today from a postcrossing member in Singapore - a postcard showing Flamingoes which are one of 8000 birds found at the famous Jurong Bird Park..it come highly recommended for a visit if ever you are in Singapore. The sender used a full strip of the 1993 WWF Chinese egrets which are also known as Swinhoes egret.  These elegant birds of east Asia are becoming rarer to see as they are now on the endangered list.

Malaysia - Ochraceous Bulbul & Spotted Dove

These definitive bird stamps were first  issued in 2005 and are still in production in Malaysia. The joy of  collecting definitive stamps issued over many years is that you hope to find varieties and errors in the reprints.
Although you've seen these stamps many times , these cancellations from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia are a first for me. Many thanks to the sender for the Ochraceous bulbul and Spotted dove.

Georgia - Eagles 2007

Issued in 2007 this fine set of eagles flew in from Tblisi in Georgia. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) Short-toed Snake eagle (Circatus gallicus) and my favorite of all- Golden eagle ( Aquila chrysaetos)