Wildlife of Luxembourg - 2001

Luxembourg Post issued the stamp series of wildlife on Dec 06,  2001 features  squirell, wild boar, hare, and wood pigeon.This is the first set in a new cycle of postal values dedicated to animals living in our fields and forests. The stamps depict the following subjects, painted in oil on canvas by Lorraine wildlife artist Yvan Ridel de Blénod-les-Toul (France):

L'écure (Kaweechelchen)

Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, and have been introduced to Australia.Squirrels typically have slender bodies with bushy tails and large eyes. Their fur is generally soft and silky, Squirrels live in almost every habitat from tropical rainforest to semiarid desert. They are predominantly herbivorous, subsisting on seeds and nuts, but many will eat insects and even small vertebrates .This small rodent is perfectly suited to life in the trees : it is an excellent climber that is always on alert to avoid being surprised by a marten or a hawk. Everyone loves this gentle animal with its pleasing appearance, beautiful large reddish tail, and graceful manner. With its gnawing teeth, the squirrel can easily open the nuts and pine cones that make up its primary nourishment.

Wildlife of Luxembourg - 2002

On September 14, 2002 , the second stamp set , dedicated to animals living in Luxembourg fields and forests, was issued by Luxembourg Post. The stamps depict the following species, painted by Belgian wildlife artist André Buzin such as : Red Fox, Pheasant, Hedgehog, and Deer.

 

The red fox (Fuuss)

The red fox (Fuuss) has a long history of association with humans, having been extensively hunted as a pest and furbearer for centuries, as well as being prominently represented in human folklore and mythology. Because of its widespread distribution and large population, the red fox is one of the most important furbearing animals harvested for the fur trade .

The ducks of Luxembourg

On year 2000, Luxembourg Post issued the stamp serieds depicted the duck species, The Mallard, The Pochard, and the Tufted Duck.

The Mallard

The Mallard is certainly the most frequently observed waterbird in Luxembourg. The male is easily recognisable with its yellow bill, green head and blue speculum on his wings. Mallards breed almost on every pond and river throughout our regions.

During wintertime, our resident populations are joined by those of more northern countries. The Mallard is a dabbling duck, that means that he never completely dives under water when feeding.

The Pochard

There is no breeding record for the Pochard so far, although several of those birds summer in the Remerschen gravelpits each year. Pochards are diving ducks that spend much time diving for food. The male is attractive and distinctive: The rounded head is reddish-orange, the breast black contrasting with the greyish upperparts. The female has a uniform grey-brown plumage and is not so distinctive.

In winter time, the Pochards spend their time on the rivers, such as the Moselle river between Luxembourg and Germany.

The Tufted duck

The male of the Tufted duck is very distinctive, looking black and white at a distance. In good light, the dark feathering shows sheen and the yellow eye and the small crest feathers may be seen. The Tufted duck first bred in 1988 in Luxembourg in the Remerschen gravelpits. During winter, some large groups of these diving ducks are observed on the Moselle river.