Luxembourg Charity

Postal values

This is the first set of a new cycle of postal values, dedicated to animals living in the fields and forests of Luxembourg. The stamps depict the following subjects, painted in oil on canvas by Lorraine wildlife artist Yvan Ridel:

0.45 e The squirrel

The squirrel builds his nest in the branches of the highest trees, often in the middle of the forest, but also in the parks of large towns. This small rodent is perfectly suited to life in the trees: It is an excellent climber that is always on alert to avoid surprised by a marten or a hawk.

0.52 e The wild boar

It is in the early morning hours or at nightfall when one has the best chances of observing a group of wild boars on the edge of the forests. During the day, boars retire to more peaceful surroundings and dense forests to sleep. In the spring, the females give birth to their young. Bears feed on fruit and roots as well as insects and the eggs of small vertebrates.

0.59 e The hare

The hare is distinguishable from the rabbit by its larger size and by its long ears. It is a mammal that lives in open fields and prairies. It likes the hedges that one often finds in this type of countryside because they provide such good hiding places.
The population of hares has declined steadily in the past few years and it has even disappeared in certain regions of Luxembourg.

0.89 e The wood pigeon

The wood pigeon is a migratory bird. Nevertheless, a portion of the indigenous population does not leave Luxembourg during the winter. It is even joined by birds arriving from Nordic countries. As a result, the wood pigeons form enormous flocks of up to 2000 birds. The adult wood pigeon is easily recognisable by white markings on the wings and the neck.

Stamps in detail

Date of Issue: 6 December 2001
Design: Yvan Ridel
Print: Photogravure in 5 colours
Sizes: 35.96 x 28 mm

More information

Stamps Luxembourg
Postage Stamps 2001
Kiwanis Club
Christmas 2001
European Year of Languages
Travelling into the future