 |
 |
|
This issue is the first in a series depicting Islands of the Falklands. The four Stamps and First Day Cover in this issue were produced from artworks by Tony Chater a well-known local artist and author.
The stamp sheet layout for this series contains the first Day Cover design in the gutter with text and the Crown Agents logo. The top outer edge also contains text and is not perforated. The four stamps are presented in two sheets with each sheet containing both stamps of the same value. Introduction to Carcass Island Carcass Island (1720 hectares) is one of the best known and most beautiful islands in the Falklands. It lies northwest of the archipelago and takes its name from HMS Carcass, which visited in the late 18th century. Carcass was first farmed by a Danish sealer named Charles Hansen who leased the island in 1872. The present day owners are Rob and Lorraine McGill, who have lived on the island for 27 years and are the sole residents. These days, although Carcass still supports around 900 sheep, tourism makes up most of its income. The McGills have two delightful cottages which they rent out to visitors during the summer and the island has, for many years, been a popular stop for visiting cruise vessels who come to enjoy both the wildlife and the famous Carcass Island cream teas. Successive owners have ensured that the island has been carefully farmed and remained free of cats, rats, mice and any other vermin. There are also some very fine stands of native tussac grass. As a result Carcass remains rich in small birds species such as the Tussac bird which is illustrated in this issue. Stores and supplies are delivered by the local vessel MV Tamar every six weeks. These include diesel oil for vehicles, machines and both domestic heating and cooking. There are no roads on the island. Visitors come and go by light aircraft using a grass strip three miles along a farm track to the northwest of the settlement. Rob and Lorraine utilise a freshwater spring in the valley behind the settlement for their water. Electrical power from either diesel or wind powered generators is available 24 hours a day. Carcass Island is itself sufficient in vegetables, meat and dairy products. The majority of the island is made up of hard, white quartzite and the silhouette is dominated by Mount Byng (214m) and other lesser peaks that undulate along its length. |
|
37p Value - Tussac Bird (Cinclodes antarcticus antarcticus) The Tussac Bird or Blackish Cinclodes (18-21cm) has a restricted distribution in the extreme south of South America. The race C.a.antarticus is endemic to the Falklands and is a typical species on boulder and sand beaches particularly where there are no introduced vermin such as cats or rats. They feed on insects and the invertebrate fauna of beach kelp and nest in holes in soft ground or under rocks. Tussac birds are remarkably tame and inquisitive around humans, often perching on your boot if you stand still and even venturing into houses. On Carcass Island they nest underneath the McGill's house and during the summer months their distinctive loud and high-pitched trills can be heard throughout the settlement. |
|
37p Yellow Violet - Viola maculata
Locally known as the "pansy" the Yellow Violet is one of the brightest flowers in the Falkland Islands. It grows to 10 - 15cm high and is found on dry soils near the coast. Although widespread it is never more than locally common and flowers from mid-November through until early December. |
|
43p Value - Carcass Island Settlement
As was the case with most of the early settlements this one was originally built as a sheep farming homestead with a good supply of fresh water adjacent to a sheltered harbour. It consists of several dwellings and various other buildings for shearing sheep, milking cows and storage of vehicles, stores and machinery. Some eye-catching patches of European gorse flourish around the settlement. This plant is covered in bright yellow blossom in the spring and was originally introduced in the late 19th century as shelter for live stock. The settlement gardens contain a colourful and somewhat exotic array of plants including Chilean fuchsia, New Zealand flax and cabbage palms. Many of these do exceptionally well which is due in part to the sheltered position of the settlement. Tucked in amongst this luxuriance are the vegetable gardens. |
|
43p Value - Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nyticorax falklandicus) The Black-crowned Night Heron (53 - 58cm) has a worldwide distribution. The local race N.n. Falklandicus is common and widespread in costal regions throughout the Falklands. This medium-sized heron is locally known as the "Quark" because of its hard and rasping call. Quarks feed mostly on fish but will take a variety of prey from molluscs and spiders to mice and ducklings. Though generally silent and solitary hunters, they are raucous and communal breeders. Their colonies of up to 100 pairs are established usually amongst tussac grass, reeds or boxwood brushes. On Carcass they sometimes nest amongst dense Monterey Cypress trees in the settlement. |
| Carcass First Day Cover - £2.40 |
|
Technical Details
Designer - Tony Chater Sheet Layout - CASB Studios Printer - BDT International Process - Lithography Stamp Size - 30.56 x38mm Pane - 24 (2 x 12) Perforation - 14 per 2cm Watermark - Crown Agents Values - 2 x 43p & 2 x 37p |