Estonia Owl FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Bird of the Year – Eurasian Tawny Owl
Date of Issue: 08 October 2009

The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen the tawny owl (Strix aluco) as the bird of the year 2009. The tawny owl, a bird in the order Strigiformes, is an age-old resident of Estonia, although it was relatively rare until the middle of the 19th century. The tawny owl prefers habitats close to humans – cemeteries, parks, broadleaved groves around farms or manor seats etc. The tawny is a nocturnal bird of prey who nests in large hollows and cracks in trees, but sometimes also in suitable holes in buildings. It willingly settles in nest boxes with a large entrance holes. There are from 1,000 to 2,00 nesting pairs of the tawny owl in Estonia at present. The tawny is about the size of a crow; it has large dark eyes and a brownish or grey plumage. The tawny starts nesting early in the year. Some couples lay their eggs already in February, although generally this activity occurs at the beginning or middle of March. The clutch, usually of three to four eggs, is incubated by the female alone in four weeks and it takes about as long for the young to fledge. The tawny’s wide diet includes almost any prey it can catch, mainly small rodents – particularly in rural areas – but birds, frogs, bats and earthworms will do as well. The tawny owl is a species in the third category of protected birds.

Russia WFP FDC

Russia FDC
Name: The World Food Programme
Date of Issue: 07 October 2009

The United Nations World Food Programme-the world's largest humanitarian organization which assists the poor in developing countries, fights against hunger and poverty, supports victims of military operations, natural and technogenic disasters.

In Russia, The UN WFP has operated since January, 2000.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organization. WFP provides food, on average, to 90 million people per year, 58 million of whom are children. From its headquarters in Rome and more than 80 country offices around the world, WFP works to help people who are unable to produce or obtain enough food for themselves and their families. More...

2010 China Stamps Issue Plan

Update: 06/02/2010

No.	Name	Date	Values	Note
1	Year of the Tiger	01.05	1	Booklet, Sheetlet II
2	Centenary of the Birth of Comrade Song Renqiong	01.08	2
3	Site of Shanghai Expo	01.21	4+1SS	Sheetlet II
4	Liangping New Year Woodprints	02.06	4	Minisheet
5	Chinese Ballet - Red Detachment of Women	01.01	2
6	Centenary of the International Women's Day	03.08	1
7	Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains	03.20	6
8	Qingming Festival	04.05	3
9	Stories of Idioms (2nd Series)	04.18	4
10	Commemorating the Opening of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China	05.01	1
11	Ancient Calligraphy of China - Semi-cursive Script	05.15	6
12	Wen Yanbo Retrieves a Ball Fallen into a Hole	06.01	2
13	Energy Saving, Emission Reduction and Environmental Protection	06.05	2
14	Kunqu Opera	06.12	3
15	Site of Ancient Loulan City	07.03	2
16	Maritime Day of China	07.11	1
17	Foreign Musicians	07.25	4
18	Charm of the Zhujiang River - Guangzhou	08.04	4
19	A Folktale: The Cowherd and Weaver Girl	08.16	4
20	Shangri-La	08.28	4+1SS
21	Plum Blossoms, Orchid, Bamboo And Chrysanthemum	09.15	4
22	The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Confucian Mansion	09.28	3
23	60th Anniversary of Harnessing the Huai River	10.14	4
24	880th Birth of Zhu Xi	10.22	2
25	Commemorating the Opening of the 16th Asian Games	11.12	4
26	Chinese Medical Pharmacies	11.20	5

2008 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2009 China Stamps & Postal Stationeries Catalogue
2010 China Stamps Issue Plan

Thailand Carriage FDC

Thailand FDC
Name: Royal Carriage
Date of Issue: 07 October 2009
Number: 840

Denominations:
3 บาท BAHT: 4-Wheeled Dog Cart
3 บาท BAHT: Postillion Landau
3 บาท BAHT: C Spring Phaeton
3 บาท BAHT: Glass State Coach

Portugal Senses FDC

Portugal FDC
Name: Stamps and Senses
Date of Issue: 02 October 2009

This issue – consisting of five stamps and a block with a sixth stamp – is a consequence of a proposal made by the Universal Postal Union to celebrate the birth bicentenary of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of a system that combines embossed dots and which is applied to reading, writing, calculation and music for the blind.

The stamps of this issue are dedicated to each of the five senses, allowing for experiencing real physical interaction: the touch feels the embossed ink coming out of the tube; the smell receives the aroma of the cup of coffee; the sight detects holographic images on the spectacle lenses that change according to the position of the stamp; the taste identifies the flavour of vanilla on the glue of the stamp that shows an ice-cream; the ear is sensitive to the noise made by the file when you rub its rough surface.

Made up of different nerve cells that capture variations and respond to stimuli, according to present science the sense organs comprise not only the classical five senses described by the ancient but other senses as well, such as cold and heat, balance and pain, contact and pressure. However, it is not the aim of this issue to underline theoretical statements, but rather to contribute to modernity in communication. Thus, thanks to improved technology in graphical arts, a set of elements, which is usually absent in common stamps, has been incorporated in this collection, becoming a differentiating fact in this emission and imparting an innovative character to stamps in the landscape of contemporaneous philately.

Russia Kremlins FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Russian Kremlins (6th Definitive Issue)
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Denominations:
4.00: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, as it is supposed, was erected in the beginning of ХVI century under the direction of the Italian military engineer and architect Peter Fryazin. On the territory of the Kremlin there is the Michael-Arhagnelsky Cathedral, which was built in 1631 in honor of the victory of militia in 1612. Kuzma Minin is buried there, and also the monument to Minin and Pozharsky is established there.

10P.: Moscow Kremlin
Moscow Kremlin is one of the greatest monuments of the history of Russia. Aboriginal сenter of the national craft and culture, it attracted the best town-planners, carpenters, blacksmiths, artists and all artisan people who brought with them the experience and skills of the peoples. Moscow Kremlin has been used as a sample for the construction of many Kremlins in other cities of the Old Russian State.

50P.: Tobolsk Kremlin
Tobolsk Kremlin - the only stone Kremlin in whole Siberia. It is known, that "exile" alarm bell from Uglich was hanging there for some time, on a purpose-built belltower, which townspeople rang after the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry. By order of Basil Shuisky, "ear" and "tongue" of the bell (like it was a human) were pulled out, and in 1592 the bell was exiled to Siberia.

Comment: This issue contains 12 denominations: 1.00; 1.50; 2.00; 2.50; 3.00; 4.00; 5.00; 6.00; 10P.; 25P.; 50P.; 100P.. Every denomination stamp issues a single FDC, it's very difficult to collect complete FDCs of this issue.

Hong Kong PRC 60 S/S FDC

Hong Kong Souvenir Sheet FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

The Souvenir Sheet with two $5 stamps in Chinese red captures the excitement of the special occasion. The National Emblem and the dazzling Tiananmen Square on the left and the Regional Emblem above the splendid night view of Hong Kong on the right underline the close and harmonious tie between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

Hong Kong PRC 60 M/S FDC

Hong Kong Minisheet FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth. Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland. The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development. The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status. The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the minisheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.

Hong Kong PRC 60 FDCs

Hong Kong FDC
Name: 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China
Date of Issue: 01 October 2009

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth. Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland. The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development. The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status. The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the minisheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.

Poland Volleyball FDC

Poland FDC
Name: European Championships in Women's Volleyball "Poland 2009"
Date of Issue: 25 September 2009

The 2009 Women's European Volleyball Championship was the 26th edition of the European Volleyball Championship, organised by Europe's governing volleyball body, the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball. Hosted in Bydgoszcz, Łódź, Katowice and Wrocław in Poland, from September 25 to October 4, 2009. More...

Estonia Lighthouse FDC

Estonia FDC
Name: Hara Lighthouse
Date of Issue: 24 September 2009

The small Hara Island near the western shore of Hara or Papilaht Bay (earlier Paponvik) is mainly covered with spruce forest. In 1909 an iron framework lighthouse 15.2 meters high was erected at the highest point (12 metres above sea level) of the island. At the time it had a major sprat salting facility with 350 workers where sprats were salted into tin cans under the name of Revelskiye kilki (Tallinn Sprats) since 1870. The Tallinn Sprats made in Hara were shipped to St Petersburg via Loksa Port. Initially the sea mark of Hara Island was visible to 10 nautical miles. In 1954 major rebuilding of the lighthouse was carried out as the navigation mark was to be connected with a new military port. The height of the tower was increased to 23.7 meters with the red light visible to seven nautical miles. But gradually importance of the port declined and in the late 1980s the installations were dismantled from the Hara Lighthouse and it became a day mark. Its present height is 24 metres and it consists of a cylinder with a conical red roof over a metal framework. The tip of the sea mark is clearly visible over the forest. The Hara Lighthouse will be one hundred this year.

Russia Headdresses FDC

Russia FDC
Name: Culture of Russian - National Costumes (Headdresses)
Date of Issue: 23 September 2009

Denominations:
9.00: Moscow Province, Maiden Bandage, The Middle of the XIX Century
Maiden bandage from Moscow province is decorated with stained glass, nacre, beads. It is fixed on the head with silken blades; beaded ochelye (semicircular frontal shield) closes a forehead.

9.00: Nizhniy Novgorod Province, Wedding Crown, The Middle of the XIX Century
Wedding "crown with the cities" of Nizhniy Novgorod province is carried out in the form of a nimbus with serrated ledges. It is decorated with nacre, stained glass, spangles. Pearl podniz' descends onto the forehead.

9.00: Yaroslavl Province. Female Kokoshnik. The Middle of the XIX Century
Kokoshnik from Yaroslavl province – the rigid headdress, which completely covers hair of a married woman. It is trimmed with blue velvet, the floral ornament is embroidered with golden thread.

9.00: Tver Province. Men's hat. 2nd Half of XIX Century
Men's felt hat from Tver' province - the festive headdress of wealthy young men. It is decorated with a strip of dark green velvet with a metal buckle.

Estonia Athletics Autographed FDCs

Estonia FDCs
Name: A Century of Track and Field Athletics in Estonia
Date of Issue: 22 September 2009

We count the centenary of Estonian athletics from the first athletics competitions in Tallinn and Tartu in 1909. The first Olympic Games of the antiquity can be regarded as the starting signal of modern athletics. The last century, which seems like an hour side by side with the the 3,000-year history of the games of the antiquity, offers unforgettable moments and emotions to all friends of sports and probably to every Estonian. The brightest of them are connected with the Olympic gold medals of high jumper Jüri Tarmak in 1972 in Munich, of triple jumper Jaak Uudmäe in 1980 in Moscow, of decathlonist Erki Nool in 2000 in Syndey of discus thrower of Gerd Kanter in 2008 in Beijing.
Comment: My Estonian friend made a great job for me again. She made 3 autographed FDCs for me. This is the best in 3, it has 5 autographs, 4 from Olympic Games Gold Medalists: Gerd Kanter (topleft), Erki Nool (middle), Jaak Uudmäe (lower left with his record 17.35 m) and Jüri Tarmak (lower right with his record 2.25m), the other one is from Aleksander Tammert Jr (topright), a Bronze Medalist in 2004 Olympic Games Discus Throw event.
Comment: The additional stamps and autographs are perfect, Kanter's stamp & autograph, Nool's stamp & autograph.
Comment: Nool's stamp & autograph again :)

Estonia Athletics FDCs

Estonia FDCs
Name: A Century of Track and Field Athletics in Estonia
Date of Issue: 22 September 2009

We count the centenary of Estonian athletics from the first athletics competitions in Tallinn and Tartu in 1909. The first Olympic Games of the antiquity can be regarded as the starting signal of modern athletics. The last century, which seems like an hour side by side with the the 3,000-year history of the games of the antiquity, offers unforgettable moments and emotions to all friends of sports and probably to every Estonian. The brightest of them are connected with the Olympic gold medals of high jumper Jüri Tarmak in 1972 in Munich, of triple jumper Jaak Uudmäe in 1980 in Moscow, of decathlonist Erki Nool in 2000 in Syndey of discus thrower of Gerd Kanter in 2008 in Beijing.

Comment: Eesti Post issued 2 special cancellations for this set, one is in Tallinn, and the other is in Tartu. I received both.

China Pre-stamped Postcard: JP161

China Pre-stamped Postcard
Name: Sixtieth Anniversary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
Number: JP161
Date of Issue: 01 November 2009

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (simplified Chinese: 中国科学院; ; pinyin: Zhōngguó Kēxuéyuàn) was founded in Beijing on November 1, 1949. Consisting of the Academic Divisions and various subordinate institutions, it is the lead national academic institution in natural sciences, a major advisory body to the government on science and technology related issues, and a national comprehensive research and development center in natural sciences and high technology areas in China.

Official Website of the Chinese Academy of Sciences