(Click on each stamp to see an enlargement)
This new series of bird stamps from the Philippines seemed to start with 3 stamps that made an initial appearance on Ebay. Further parts of the series were also offered by Philippine Ebay traders before they were available in the post offices there. So far, 32 stamps have been issued in the series, and there was a rumour of a final part to be issued early in 2008. In 2005/6, the Philippines issued a series of Butterfly stamps that resulted in 47 different species, and at least 29 minor redesigns, so perhaps we can expect more birds!
With the Philippines hosting such a high number of endemic bird species (marked *), it is not surprising that this new series has produced 10 new species for my collection. However, it is surprising, and disappointing, that several species which are rarely encountered in the Philippines are included. The illustrations seem to be almost all taken from MacKinnon's Guide to the Birds of the Philippines, and I suspect that some of the choices made were because the illustration in the book looked "nice". Also, the only error I have found may be caused by the chosen picture for Rufous Hornbill being close to the name "Writhed Hornbill". The Java Sparrow is an introduced species.
Update: 3 June 2008
The 1p, 2p, 4p and 10p stamps have been re-issued with the date changed to 2008. Also, a sheet of 14 stamps with the same designs as some of those above were issued to commemorate the Taipei Asian International Stamp Exhibition, but all with face value of 7 pesos.
