Birds Perched, Birds Flying, Birds Aground

Caribbean Netherlands 2026 Birds of Saba
The stamp set features Phaethon lepturus, Porphyrio martinica, Piranga rubra, Sula dactylatra, Coereba flaveola, Haematopus palliates, Sterna Hirundo, Setophaga americana, Ardea ibis, Columba livia.

@rainrainbow, thanks! I see you posted some nice covers on other threads... are covers your specialty?

@gnstamps80 and KuoLC5310, beautiful sets!

Here are some items related to Mali Scott #C19 and #C20, which feature a Gray-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) standing atop an African Spurred Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), designed and engraved by Pierre Gandon. I know that in some Asian countries, the image of a crane standing on a tortoise/turtle is symbolic of longevity and wisdom, I don't know if it has any special significance in Mali. Maybe it's just an amusing picture!

Here are the base stamps, followed by a very interesting artist's die proof... not only signed by the artist but inscribed to "A Gandon", presumably a member of his family.

Then a couple of plate proofs (trial color essays), an FDC and a maximum card associated with the issue.

Very nice, and even more interesting, Nils!

The glaucous gull (StampWorld.com #111) on a commercial cover to Montgomery Ward.

ST PIERRE ET MIQUELON
*
26-01
35

Caribbean Netherlands 2026 Birds of Bonaire
The stamp set shows Plegadis falcinellus, Phoenicopterus ruber, Caracara plancus, Thalasseus maximus, Chlorostilbon mellisugus, Vanellus chilensis, Fulica americana, Hirundo rustica, Jacana jacana, Amazona barbadensis.

Very nice sheet, Kuol!

MELICHNEUTES ROBUSTUS


StampWorld.com # 173, issued in 1961.

Very nice stamp! Here is a nice set as well, another one of my favorites!

Good morning to all! Quick update to anyone following my posts, Nils included - I received my first shipment from Postbeeld. No customs charges, so that is a relief! However, I received a damaged stamp. Oh well, not too bad, as the rest of the material was fine. Received a few birds sets as well. Also, I have 35 more sets arriving from all over as we speak. This will put me into my 4th stockbook, which I just ordered as well, along with a slipcase. Things are going well! Happy adventuring in stamps today to all!

Hi gnstamps80

It's great to read about your enthusiasm in receiving the recent stamp shipment.
You appear to have a lot of fun in collecting and that's what this hobby is
all about.
Keep on posting and showing your new acquisitions.

Lithograving - Thanks! Yes, stamps are a great hobby. I'm trying to keep it going as well. Many dealers tell me I'm young (45!) to be collecting! Very exciting. I feel like a kid on Chrismas morning when my orders arrive! How about you? What do you collect?

I collect Canada, Austria, Sweden, France,Denmark.
My main interest is engraved stamps though.
Also printing methods of all types.




Thats excactly how I used to feel when getting new stuff.

Interesting areas to collect. I don't have much from those countries, but I should take a look sometime. And yes, its a blast getting in new stuff!

Another update! Received my 4th stockbook yesterday. Wizard Coin Supplies is always a great dealer. In addition, I received a few long sets I needed. I've been on a buying frenzy! Still waiting on a Botswana and a Ciskei long set of birds. Have been finding more material than I can keep up with. I love that stamps feel "endless" with what to collect. I'm always expanding. I'm over 900 sets now as well. Very cool! How has the hobby been treating the rest of you?

Well enough that I've stuck with it (off and on) since 1955.