S4001

Scenic American Landscapes

Bryce Canyon National Park

Collins Cover Announcement 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Mountain Lion

This individually hand painted First Day Cover marks the beginning of a trio of stamps that capture the exciting essence of our national parks in terms of both scenic beauty and magnificent wildlife. To start the group, I'll feature a formidable mountain lion as it stalks its prey on the snowy slopes of Bryce Canyon National Park. The frozen stealth of the big cat as it pauses in the hunt captures the muscular sleekness that the wild cougar possesses. You'll love adding this wildlife mini-painting to your collection, and the two in the series that follow will be equally exciting. For Yosemite, I'll be featuring the lovely golden eagle, and for the Smokey Mountains, it will be the rare red wolf. I believe that this will be the first time these two species make an appearance on Collins cachets.

Bryce is a comparatively small park located in Utah. The erosion force of frost and rain has shaped colorful limestone rock formations into windows, fins, and unique spires called "hoodoos." The multicolored rocks create a landscape of mazes and views that stagger the imagination. Surrounding the canyon areas are ponderosa pines, high meadows, and fir-spruce forests that abound with wildlife, including the wonderful mountain lion that ranges over this pristine Utah winterscape.

I'm pleased to present the first of three high-value airmail stamps featuring national parks. Starting off will be the sixty-three-cent Bryce Canyon with Mountain Lion. Collins #T4001 —$13.50.