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.

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Eurasian blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

Three Semi-postal (for the youth) songbirds on a registered cover  from Germany. Very attractive stamps of three very pretty little birds with the illustrations clearly seen against  a white background.

Germany- European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)

From the latest German series of semi-postal songbirds on stamps , here is the colorful European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)  with a matching pictorial postmark. Cancelled in " Weltvogelpark Walsrode which  is home to a total of about 4,000 birds with 675 different species. It is the world’s largest bird park and one of the ten species-richest zoos in the world. The Park is not only a paradise for animal and garden lovers but also an attraction for international avian researcher." 

What a wonderful place, I would love to visit it one day to see so many birds in the one place.

Germany- Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

A perfect SON, socked on the nose, of  the newest  semi postal Eurasian Bullfinch ( Pyrrhula pyrrhula) from Germany. Thank you Tom.

Germany-Bird of the Year 2013

Many countries now select a "Bird of the Year" to bring attention to  threatened of species. This year Germany selected to highlight  the Common Snipe ( (Gallinago gallinago) - a migratory  wading bird of the Old World which breeds in marshy wetlands in Northern Europe and Northern Asia. During courtship display, the bird vibrates its tail feathers creating a  sound which can be similar to a bleating sheep or goat. In many languages the bird is also known as the Goat bird, Flying Goat, Heather-bleater or Heaven's ram.
These attractive commemorative postmarks have been issued annually since 1971.