The 2008 Definitive 'Birds of Gibraltar' is a beautifully illustrated issue which replaces the 2004 ‘Flowers of Gibraltar’ Definitive and focuses on the beautiful birds that grace Gibraltar's skies in different times of the year.
Three new additions, two of them 'high value' will be issued featuring the Osprey, Northern Gannet and the Black Stork.
The Black Stork is a scarce but increasing species which is regularly on migration over Gibraltar in spring and autumn. This Stork is much rarer than the White Stork and it nests on cliffs and trees, not on buildings. It is more aquatic in its habits and catches fish and frogs in rivers. The Spanish population is increasing and small flocks are regularly seen over Gibraltar in spring and autumn. The winter quarters are in tropical Africa but some remain in Europe all year.
The Osprey is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching 60 centimeters in length with a 1.8 metre wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts, with a black eye patch and wings.
The Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus, formerly Sula bassana) is a seabird and is the largest member of the gannet family, Sulidae.
These birds are spectacular divers, plunging into the ocean at high speed. They mainly eat small fish which gather in groups near the surface. Although they are powerful and agile fliers, they are clumsy in takeoffs and landings.