Category Archives: Stamps

BeePost 2023 EUROPA Issues – Peace

Introduction

BeePost is a Lithuanian based private postal operators that operates alongside (and in competition with) the historic, national postal authority, Lithuanian Post (Lietuvos paštas) . BeePost is one of many such commercial operators that has sprung into life following liberalisation of the postal market within the European Union.  Not all of these new commercial operators issue postage stamps, but BeePost is one that does.  BeePost is, I believe, is part of the Stamperija commercial operation and I have seen the stamps issued by BeePost used for postal purposes. 

2023 EUROPA Issue The 2023 EUROPA theme is based around Peace, so it is likely that we will see more than one or two peace doves adorning our EUROPA stamps.  The BeePost contribution to this European-wide theme is this pair of BeePost Lithuanian stamps that are based on the topic of and aspiration for “Peace to Ukraine”.

The First Day Cover (FDC), seen below, is dated 24 February 2023, marking the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine territory by Russian forces.

2023 EUROPA Peace for Ukraine (FDC)

Åland Post – Parrot Crossbill

Introduction

On 15 March 2023, Åland Post issued a single stamp featuring a fascinating bird, the Parrot Crossbill (Loxia pytyopsittacus) from the family of Finches and Euphonias and allies (Fringillidae), which comprises some 229 species.

This is the first time that Parrot Crossbill has appeared on a stamp.

The Parrot Crossbill resides in the countries of Scandinavia and in the three Baltic States.  There may also be an outpost of this bird in North Eastern Scotland.  It feeds primarily on seeds, buds and shoots of various trees and shrubs, including Scots pine, spruce, larch, alder, crowberry, bilberry.  In summer, the Parrot Crossbill also feeds on a variety of insects.

Ghana – Coqui Francolin

On 13 March 2023, the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation (IGPC), which issues stamps for the Ghana postal authority,  issued two sheetlets featuring the Coqui Francolin (Campocolinus coqui), a member of the Phasianidae family (pheasants and allies).  This bird is native to Africa, primarily countries in central, southern and eastern Africa: Angola, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. However, there are also small populations of the Coqui Francolin located in Western Africa, including Burkina Faso, Gabon, Nigeria and Togo.

According to the IUCN Red List, the Coqui Francolin has Least Concern conservation status, though scientists have yet to quantify the population of this bird. That said, the IUCN Red List indicates that the scientific community consider the population stable.

St Pierre et Miquelon Annual Bird Issue (7th January 2023)

Wilson’s Phalarope

Valid for postage solely from St Pierre et Miquelon for internal use, or for postage to France and Overseas Territories, for postal items up to 20g. Wilson’s Phalarope  (Steganopus tricolor) belongs to the family of Sandpipers and Allies (Scolopacidae)  and is classified as a bird of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.  Geographically, this bird is primarily native to the western and central areas of North and South America; as well as being present in Central America.  The IUCN Red List indicates that the numbers of the Wilson’s Phalarope are on an upward trend, though there are no accurate estimates of the population size.  Within St Pierre et Miquelon, the Wilson’s Phalarope is considered an extant and vagrant bird, given that the distribution is largely to the west of the North American continent.

Technical details: Dimensions: 52mm x 31mm. Printing: offset. Designer: photograph by Valérie Jackman.  Print run: 20,000, available in sheets of 25 stamps.

International Falcons and Hunting Festival

Al Mazayen Championship 2020-21

Introduction

In January 2022, Qatar Post issued a sheetlet of six stamps (all priced at 3.50 Rials) illustrating three images of a Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and three pictures of a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).  The stamps commemorate the International Falcons and Hunting Festival which I understand the Qatari Society of Al Gannas helps sponsor each year.   The Society itself has interests in falconry as well as scientific and veterinary research into falcons and hawks in Qatar, including their migrations