Nearly two years after the last native bird appeared on a British stamp (Song Thrush issued 20 January, 1998), the Millennium series has produced this unusual pair issued 18 January, 2000 as part of the theme "Above and Beyond".

The Barn Owl stamp celebrates the work of the World Owl Trust based at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria.

The Gannets stamp features the Scottish Seabird Centre which has produced a first day cover - details - see press release "stamps". Unfortunately, the colony shown was photographed in South Africa and shows Cape Gannets (Morus capensis).