New Issue: Alderney Bird Observatory (Alderney)

Alderney has issued this set of six stamps to celebrate the work of Alderney Bird Observatory, which will go on sale tomorrow. The Guernsey Stamps website tells us a lot about the observatory. "Bird observatories across the British Isles provide a unique window into the lives of our feathered visitors. From remote islands in the north to coastal headlands in the south, these centres monitor bird migration, breeding, and population trends, revealing how species respond to changing environments and connecting local observations to global migration networks...

"Volunteers play a central role, gaining hands-on experience in identification, tracking, and data collection.

"Many find it an unforgettable way to connect with wildlife and contribute to meaningful conservation work. Observatories in strategic locations such as the Alderney Bird Observatory - sitting directly on the East Atlantic Flyway – show how even small sites can be critical stepping stones for migratory birds traveling thousands of kilometres each year. Through research, education, and volunteer involvement, bird observatories ensure that generations of birds can continue to thrive, and how even the smallest observation can contribute to a bigger picture of life on the move."

I have been to some bird observatories and I have an idea of the kind of work they do and how important it is. I didn't know there was one on Alderney, but it makes perfect sense there should be one there. It is the only observatory in the Channel Islands and it was founded in 2016.

I don't know if the stamps intended to celebrate the observatory's tenth anniversary because this isn't mentioned on the Guernsey Stamps website, but it would make sense. Design Quality - It's a nice clean design. The stamps are based on photographs, and they are bright, colourful and detailed. In the bottom right corner there is the logo of the Alderney Bird Observatory. The king's head seems too close to the corner in the upper left but that's a minor issue. The wings of the Bearded Vulture are slightly too large for the stamp, and some of the feathers extend outside the rectangle shape. I think this irregular shape adds something to the design, but why only do this for one stamp out of the six? 8/10 Historical and Cultural Relevance - The bird observatory is celebrating its tenth anniversary and is very relevant to the island. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - Birds are always a good idea, but there are so many stamps out there with beautiful pictures of birds that it is hard to make them stand out. On this occasion the stamps are about more than just the birds and the real subject is the observatory and the work that it does. That's a great subject choice. 9/10

Innovation and Creativity - The photography is very professional and the design is effective. However, is it innovative? Not really. I like how the designer has extended the vulture's wings into the stamp's border, but otherwise it's not all that different to the many other (very attractive) bird stamps out there. 4/10

Collectability - Bird stamps are always very popular and there are many thematic collectors who will love these. 8/10

Personal Appeal - My sister is more of a thematic collector but I really like these. The photography is excellent and all of the birds shown in these stamps are quite rare. 10/10 

Overall score - 47/60