Åland Songbirds on Franking Labels Arouse the Joys of Spring

Press release 15 December 2020 Sviby, Åland

Åland songbirds on franking labels arouse the joys of spring On 2 February, Åland Post issues a new series of franking labels depicting four musically gifted small birds: European robin, common chaffinch, willow warbler and Eurasian blackcap. They were designed by Swedish illustrator Anna Handell: ”I loved giving the four bird species life and personality”.

The Åland franking labels are Anna Handell’s first postal labels and, as a bird lover, the theme suited her perfectly. The robin was her favourite. “I wanted to create explicit and easily accessible motifs, tailored to the habitat of each bird species, but also offer the attentive viewer tiny and entertaining details. The robin is a seemingly amiable bird with a teeny-tiny beak and stick-like legs. It has such a vigorous personality, I think.”

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) may be recognized by its orange-red face and breast. Its crystal-clear chirping with unpredictable changes of pace is often heard from the treetops. It sits on the ground surrounded by common fern.

The willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) is our most common bird species. The willow warbler is more heard than seen, seeing that it prefers low bramble where it can stay hidden. It is a small, quick and greenish-grey bird with a soft, melancholy sounding song.

The common chaffinch Fringilla( coelebs) is our second most common bird species, which has a powerful rhythmic song with a trill at the end. The chaffinch is recognized by its two contrasting white wing bars. In the motif, it has landed in a sea of wood sorrel.

The Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) also hides in the brambles and shrubs. The male has the black cap and his song starts low-key to end in a loud high- pitched crescendo. Sometimes, it is heard mocking other birds.

FÖRSTA DAGEN FÖRSTA DAGEN

Images: Strip of franking labels, FDC and first day cancel for ”Songbirds”.

Specifications

Name of issue Songbirds Date of issue 2 February 2021 Artist Anna Handell Design Julia Perander /Strax Denomination of series 4 x €1.90 Price FDC €8.60 Size 56 x 25 mm Paper 40 gms thermal paper Process 4-colour offset Printer Walsall Security Printers

Order franking labels and first day cover at webshop.alandpost.com, by post to Åland Post Stamps, P.O. box 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, e- mail [email protected] or telephone: +358 18 636 641.

For more information, please contact: Gunilla Häggblom, Communications & PR, Stamps e-mail: [email protected] phone: +358 (018) 636 638