D5502

2016 World Stamp Show

"Australia Wildlife"

Cover Announcement 

This red stamp is the second of two stamps issued in 2015 for the World Stamp Show to highlight the world of intemational collecting. Previously for the blue stamp, I featured the famous Canadian racing schooner Bluenose. For this tribute to Australia, I feature four popular wildlife species found on the country's stamps - most notably the kangaroo. This popular animal, a marsupial, is a symbol of Ausralia and is depicted on its stamps; appears on the country's coat of arms; is used on the logos of many businesses and organizations such as Qantas Airlines; and as the Roundel of the Royal Australian Air Force. The one illustrated on my cachet has a baby (called a 'Joey') in its pouch.

The koala is a tree-dwelling marsupial which is often mistakenly called a koala-bear. It feeds on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. The one pictured at the upper left of the cover does resemble a small bear.

The kookaburra is a large carnivorous bird eating mice, snakes, insects, and small reptiles. The loud distinctive call of the laughing kookaburra is widely used as a sound effect involving an Australian bush setting or tropical jungle. It is a member of the kingfisher family of birds.

The platypus has a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver, and feet like an otter. Although a mammal, it lays eggs as opposed to giving live birth to babies. It is a protected species and is an iconic symbol of Australia.

This individually hand painted cachet, along with the Canadian stip Blumose, was my chance to draw attention to

international stamp collecting. Collins #D5502 at $16.50.