08 January 2021
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On 2 February, Åland Post will issue a new series of franking labels depicting four musically gifted small birds: European robin, common chaffinch, willow warbler and Eurasian blackcap.
The Åland franking labels were designed by Swedish illustrator Anna Handell’s; as a bird lover, the theme suited her perfectly. The robin was her favourite.
‘I wanted to create explicit and easily accessible motifs, tailored to the habitat of each bird species, but also offer the attentive viewer tiny and entertaining details. The robin is a seemingly amiable bird with a teeny-tiny beak and stick-like legs. It has such a vigorous personality, I think.’
Beautiful birdsong on new franking labels
- The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) may be recognised by its orange-red face and breast. Its crystal-clear chirping with unpredictable changes of pace is often heard from the treetops. It sits on the ground surrounded by common fern.
- The willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) is our most common bird species. The willow warbler is more heard than seen, seeing that it prefers low bramble where it can stay hidden. It is a small, quick and greenish-grey bird with a soft, melancholy sounding song.
- The common chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is our second most common bird species, which has a powerful rhythmic song with a trill at the end. The chaffinch is recognized by its two contrasting white wing bars. In the motif, it has landed in a sea of wood sorrel.
- The Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) also hides in the brambles and shrubs. The male has the black cap and his song starts low-key to end in a loud high-pitched crescendo. Sometimes, it is heard mocking other birds.
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