New Zealand- ,South Island Saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus)

1962 definitive series semi- postal ,health stamps ,South Island Saddleback    Philesturnus carunculatus

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.

Australia-Water Birds

During the recent heat-wave in NSW my friend Karola took relief from the heat by soaking herself, together with some stamps, in the bath. The illustrated cover commemorates the occasion when the mercury reached 44 degrees. We can see Karola was dreaming of  beaches and water birds as she soaked with the stamps . The stamps say it all, Sea gulls, Jabiru, Frigate birds and Tropicbirds..  all found where there is water. Even the kangaroo is by the sea-side. Cancelled at Lightning Ridge NSW, one of the hottest places in the outback..

Christmas Island- Frigate Bird

Christmas Island is a Territory of Australia which issues  humorous  stamps at Christmas time for the festive season. The 2012 stamps did not disappoint  collectors as here we see Santa aided by a greater Frigate bird, a Green turtle and a few Red crabs creating some sand sculpture in the shape of a Christmas tree.
The cover flew in from Ouyen in Victoria.

Christmas Island-White- Tailed tropicbird

Every year in December  you'll find some of the Christmas Island endemic birds featured  somewhere  on their Christmas  stamps.  The Christmas Island  2010  stamps did not disappoint their collectors  and here you see the unique Golden Bosun ..also known as the White-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus fulvus). These elegant birds are distinguished by prominent black bars on the upper wing and a golden tinge to the plumage and golden tail streamers.