Fauna and Flora - Ducks

Set of Four Stamps from Ireland.

Fauna and Flora stamps have been issued every year since 1978 and continue to be one of the most popular issues. The theme for the 2004 issue was Ducks. Acclaimed artist Killian Mullarney captured in glorious detail and color the four ducks featured on the stamps, a Tufted Duck, a Red Breasted Merganser, a Gadwall and a Garganey. The First Day Cover and the minisheet were also designed by Killian Mullarney.

Ducks of Ireland

Any large body of water is home to the Mallard as well as other varieties of Duck such as Widgeon, Tufted Duck, Shelduck and Teal. The most notable areas where these species can be observed in their natural habitat are the Wexford Slobs, Bull Island in Dublin Bay and the larger ponds in City parks like St. Stephens Green and the Phoenix Park, as well as the larger lakes of Ireland. Lough Corrib and Lough Conn in Co. Mayo, along with the lakes of the Shannon and the Royal and Grand Canal are the most common of all areas in Ireland to observe Ducks.

The Tufted Duck, commonly known as the tufty, is both a migratory species and one that breeds here in Ireland. The Red-breasted Merganser is relatively rare in Ireland. They breed in the north and west of the British Isles by lakes, rivers and estuaries, usually in forest or woodland.

The Gadwall is a regular visitor to Ireland and can be found inland and in coastal areas from mid September onwards. The Garganey has a distinctive white eye flash and can be found in Northern parts of Ireland from late September onwards.
 

Fauna and Flora - Ducks