It was World Migratory Bird Day and National Philately Day both fell on October 12, and the Coimbatore Postal Division released a set of postcards on rare birds to commemorate that. This was the second series, the first one being earlier at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON). “The objective is to create awareness on the rich bio-diversity of Coimbatore that falls under the Western Ghats and the avian population which is an important indicator of the ecological balance,” says Sudhir Gopal Jakhere, Senior Superindent of Post Offices, Coimbatore Division. “The set of 10 postcards are in three formats — plain postcards, postcards with pictorial cancellations, and an elite pack with more information on the birds,” he adds. The birds that feature in the series have been verified by SACON and the photographs are taken by C. Subramaniam, wildlife photographer. The postcards in the Elite pack also carry an exclusive ‘My Stamp’ of the bird.
Sudhir Gopal Jakhere, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Coimbatore Division
The Emerald Dove, the state bird of Tamil Nadu, has pride of place on the cover of the elite pack. It is a booklet in which there are 10 postcards. The booklet carries scientific information and a note on the habitat of the birds. The postcards too have information about the bird it depicts. For example, the postcard with the strikingly colourful hoopoe with its distinctive 'crown' of feathers informs us that the bird gets its name after its call that goes hoop-hoop-hoop...
The other birds in the elite pack include the Black Baza, found in the eastern Himalayas. It is one of the smaller birds of prey. And, it is a regular winter visitor to South India. One also learns that the Malabar Trogon with a dark and colourful plumage is the most beautiful among the forest birds, hence its inclusion in the collection. Then there is the Indian Scoops Owl (the largest among the scoop owls), the barn owl, and the Black-naped blue flycatcher all of which visit this part of the world.
- Cultural heritage of Coimbatore features iconic structures like the Athar Jamath mosque, Perur temple, Town Hall clock tower, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and the Koniamman temple, among others
- Wildlife in Coimbatore has postcards of birds, butterflies and animals spotted in urban landscape. Check out the postcard of the elephant striking a pose at the foothills of Marudhamalai near the steps that lead to the temple.
- Limited edition Nilgiris Mountain Railway Carrier postcard packs depict the heritage railway stations along the NMR
- Festivals of Tamil Nadu
- To know more, call 0422-2305100/ 94220-91385
The objective is to get youngsters connect with Nature and wildlife, says Sudhir. “Any conservation effort has to be a continuous one. We plan to come with a series every six months that puts the spotlight on the bio-diversity. We are open to suggestions from bird watchers, naturalists and wildlife photographers for series III on birds. May be on water birds or migratory birds. We are looking for inputs.”
Postcards on rare birds of Coimbatore
Once philatelists start post crossing, where they exchange post cards internationally, it will help spread awareness across the globe. “ It promotes eco-tourism too,” says Sudhir. He knows of many philatelists who have built a collection around birds. “They may be vulnerable and flightless birds or exotic ones or even extinct and near extinct birds,” he says. Postcards and stamps on birds are of great philatelic value, believes Sudhir. “Besides being a pictorial compilation, this is a good way to document the conflict and interactions between wildlife and urban development.”
