(Click on each stamp to see an enlargement)

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Razorbill (Alca torda)

Wilson's Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)

Whereas most issues for the International Polar Year have featured penguins and polar bears, Portugal has wisely chosen four species of bird that may be found passing through the country, or at least along its shore lines. I particularly like the Sanderling in its summer plumage, as we normally see it in its grey winter plumage. By the way, a souvenir sheet associated with this issue does have polar bear!