Masters of the skies

We have today revealed our stunning new Birds of Prey Special Stamp issue - featuring 10 birds native to the UK.

Also known as raptors, the birds of prey that feature on the stamps are the: White-tailed Eagle; Buzzard; Sparrowhawk; Merlin; Golden Eagle; Kestrel; Goshawk; Hobby; Red Kite and Peregrine Falcon.

The stamps feature original images taken at the International Centre for Birds of Prey, by British photographer, Tim Flach, who has captured the exquisite beauty of the birds in a mix of close-up shots and the majestic sight of them in flight.

He said of working with Royal Mail: ‘It’s always very special to be invited to work on a set of stamps. I think it’s great that Royal Mail has chosen to put a focus on the birds of prey that we have in the UK.

‘I’m really mindful of the fact that we’ve never been more separated from nature. And, the stamps really let us better understand what these animals are. It’s never been more important for us to think about the natural world.’

Royal Mail also worked with Jemima Parry-Jones MBE, Director of the International Centre for Birds of Prey, conservationist, established author and leading British authority on birds of prey.

She said of the stamps: ‘Look at the stamps, enjoy the stamps, see if you can recognise those birds that you might see in your garden – like a sparrowhawk or a kestrel or a buzzard sitting on a telegraph pole. See if you can recognise them from the stamps – that would be a huge step forward.’

Stamps strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘Our birds of prey are masters of the skies. Tim Flach’s photography for our stamps captures their beauty and character in extraordinary detail’.

The stamps and a range of collectible products are available now from www.royalmail.com/birdsofprey, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.