Birds stamp issue

New bird stamp issue of Falkland Islands

The birds depicted in this stamp issue represent the broad spectrum of bird life for which the Falkland Islands has become internationally famous. Four of the species depicted on the postage stamps are commonly found in season in the Islands while the Wandering Albatross (60p) is found only in offshore waters on the fishing grounds where it visits on its constant search for food in pelagic waters.
The images of the four other birds; the Black-browed Albatross (FDC design) landing, the Gentoo Penguin chicks (25p) huddling together for warmth, the King Cormorant (25p) (also known as the Imperial Shag) landing, and the King Penguin (60p) stretching, were all captured in late summer on Saunders Island.

Bird life on Saunders Island

On Saunders Island, bird life is so prolific one need only find the desired subject or location and be patient as the photographer did with the landing albatross. He watched the area for some time and recognized that spot as a landing zone and the birds did the rest. The same technique was used with the Cormorant and King Penguin photos. The Wandering Albatross was photographed some 85 miles offshore on the Toothfish fishing grounds. The photograph was made in the water, snorkeling with the birds, possibly the first time a photographer has photographed the birds this way.

Archipelago in the South Atlantic

The Falkland Islands, once merely a remote out of the way, wind-swept archipelago in the South Atlantic, known to have more sheep than human inhabitants, have grown to become a Mecca for international birding. Visitors from all over the world visit, touring the islands to view and enjoy the bird life, which includes 80% of the world's Black-browed Albatross.

Photographer Paul Sutherland

The photographer, Paul Sutherland, is an award winning independent photographer living in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. His work is published in books, magazines, and calendars and other print media all over the world while his fine art prints are found in both private and corporate collections.