Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Postal franking labels - Velvet Scoter decoy 7.2.2014


The current 3-year series of postal franking labels featuring old wooden duck decoys started in 2012. Åland Post Stamps now ends the series in 2014 with a Velvet Scoter decoy.
Wildfowl decoys are lifelike dummies used by hunters to encourage birds to land nearby. Back in the day, decoys were made from plants and wood but, today, decoys are mostly made from plastic.
The Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) is common in Åland waters. It belongs to the family of sea ducks and measures from 48 to 56 centimetres. The name of the bird indicates a dark plumage. The male bird is, indeed, entirely black with a small white mark underneath the eye, whereas the plumage of the female bird is dark brown.
This issue completes the 3-year series of Frama labels on duck decoy motifs. Artist Juha Pykäläinen designed the franking labels. 
Thank you Ella.

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