POLOKWANE – The South African Post Office released a set of five stamps celebrating bee-eaters on Thursday.
The photographs of the bee-eaters were taken by Chris van Rooyen, and the stamps were designed by Philatelic Services. The stamps are expected to be snapped up by collectors and bird lovers alike, according to a Spokesperson for the post office communications division, Johan Kruger.
The Post Office usually celebrates local statesmen, and indigenous natural wonders and wildlife on their stamps.
Bee-eaters are some of Southern Africa’s most beautiful and interesting birds. This made them excellent subjects for stamps.They are remarkable birds, catching insects in flight, digging tunnels in sandbanks in which they lay their eggs . In the case of most species, the young remain with their parents to raise the next generation.
The stamps feature the little bee-eater, Southern carmine bee-eater, swallowtail bee-eater, the European bee-eater and the white-fronted bee-eater.
The stamps are valid postage for A5-sized envelopes and a set of five costs R47.75 or R9.55 each. They will be available at all major Post Office branches soon and can also be ordered from sa.stamps@postoffice.co.za.
