Breeding Owls

Issue Date: 25 October 2004











Owls are amongst the least frequently seen of the landbirds present in the Falkland Islands. Five species of owl have been recorded in the Falkland Islands however only two species, the barn owl (Tyto alba tuidara) and the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus sandfordi), are resident and breed.

The 50p and £1.50 stamps and £2 souvenir sheet depict the barn owl (Tyto alba tuidara). With their large eyes, heart shaped faces and distinctive plumage the barn owl is one of the rarest breeding species in the Falkland Islands. It is thought that only 10 pairs breed in the islands although knowledge of the species distribution is hampered by its secretive, quiet and predominantly nocturnal behaviour. It appears to be strongly associated with human settlement where dense gorse thickets and buildings provide safe nest sites and introduced rats and mice a readily available source of food. As both the primary food sources and nesting sites were introduced to the Falklands it is likely that man played an important role in encouraging barn owls to breed in the islands.

The 18p and 45p stamps depict the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus sanfordi). the short-eared, although more common and widespread than the barn owl, is still a very rare breeding species and it is estimated that only 100-200 pairs breed in the Falkland Islands. The species is most commonly found on offshore tussac grass islands where there is cover for nesting and protection from disturbance. The species is often associated with ground-nesting petrel colonies on which they prey although insects, small rodents and passerine birds are also taken. Due to the isolation of the Falkland Islands population it is considered as a seperate race or sub-species distinct from those found on the South American mainland, making it one of the rarest birds in the world.

Introducing the Artist

Dag Peterson is one of Sweeden's most popular and appreciated wildlife artists. Travelling to exciting locations with interesting wildlife such as the Falkland Islands is a natural part of his activities. All his life Dag Peterson has been deeply involved in the work or preserving threatened species, and was one of the initiators of a project to save the magnificent eagle owl in Sweeden. Although Dag is new to Falkland Islands stamp designs he has been commissioned by the Aland Post department to produce fourteen images for stamps.

"I must say that I've been visiting many places around the world. Africa, South and North America, Asia but after my second visit to the Falkland Islands in 1998 I could not get enough, so I just had to go back again in 2003. And after that visit I am already planning my return as soon as possible. Indeed it is very far away but it is worth any effort. When it is dark and cold in the North in our wintertime, the longing for get away is extra strong. I very much look forward to revisit the wonderful Falkland Islands. For a wildlife artist it is a dreamland. It was a very strong sense of honour to be commissioned by the Falkland Islands Post Office to produce images for new stamps with my favorite birds - Owls." Dag Peterson, September 2004.



Technical Details

Designer: Dag Peterson
Printer: Jon Enschede Security Print, Holland
Process: Lithography (Stochastic Screen)
Stamp Size: 30.54 x 38mm
Pane: 50 (2 x 25)
Perforation: 13.75 per 2cms
Production Co-ordination: Creative Distribution (Worldwide) Ltd
Release Date: 25.10.04




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