Guernsey Post is delighted to announce the release of a new set of 16 definitive stamps depicting birds found on the island of Alderney in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. This is the first set of Alderney definitive stamps that Guernsey’s philatelic bureau has released in over 12 years (stamp issue: 21 January 2020).
Despite its small size, Alderney’s habitats include heathlands, woodlands, rich farmland, cliffs, dunes and offshore stacks. Its west coast and Burhou Island have been designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of worldwide importance.
The stamps: -
The Dunnock, Robin, Goldfinch and Blue Tit are all frequent visitors to gardens in Alderney as well as millions of other British gardens.
Longis Nature Reserve, the largest terrestrial reserve, covers an eighth of the island and is home to over 100 species of importance. The reserve has thirteen distinct habitats including marine and freshwater sites, which are important environments for migratory birds.
Birds of the marine heathland include Meadow Pipit and, in the summer, Whinchat, Black Redstart and Yellow Wagtail can be seen.
Turnstone and Ringed Plover are waders commonly spotted wintering in Alderney and feeding along the island’s shoreline, while the cliffs on the west and south coasts of the island, as well as the offshore stacks, provide breeding sites for species including the Shag.
Another sight in winter is the shy Kingfisher, which is sometimes spotted fishing in freshwater and coastal sites around the island.
Burhou, the tiny uninhabited rocky islet two miles northwest of Braye Harbour, is a sanctuary to eleven species of breeding birds including colonies of Puffin. They arrive in late March to rear their young before leaving in early August and heading back out to the Atlantic sea.
Migratory birds, including birds of prey such as Kestrel, Barn Owl and Long-Eared Owl are often spotted at the Vau de Saou, a nature reserve on the island’s southern cliffs, managed by the Alderney Wildlife Trust.
Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - “Despite being just three and a half miles long and less than two miles wide, Alderney boasts an extraordinary biodiversity, making it a wonderful haven for a huge range of species which thrive in its unique landscape.
“Alderney Wildlife Trust has recorded approximately 284 species of birds including resident and rare passage migrants; we are delighted to depict 16 of those spotted regularly on or around the island on our definitive stamps,” she added.
The stamps and related products are available to pre-order from 7 January 2020 at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0) 1481 716486.