Bird of the Year (VI). The Common Pochard
Newsletter no. 101.pdf
On March 10, 2025 the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz
Republic puts into circulation a Kyrgyz Express Post postage stamp: "Bird of the Year (VI). The Common
Pochard".
The Kyrgyz Wildlife Conservation Society (KWCS) has chosen the
Common Pochard as The Bird of the Year in Kyrgyzstan for 2024.
The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) is a waterfowl
that belongs to the so-called diving ducks. One of the characteristic features of these ducks is their
ability to dive to depths of up to 2.5 meters and remain underwater for relatively long periods (on average
about 20 seconds). The Common Pochard feeds on both plant and animal matter, with its diet changing
depending on the season and habitat.
In Kyrgyzstan, the Common Pochard is mainly found wintering on Lake
Issyk-Kul, and nests on other mountain lakes.
Although the Common Pochard is not listed in the Kyrgyz Republic
Red Data Book, KWCS calls for the protection of this bird species as an integral part of the country's
biodiversity.
As always, KEP expresses gratitude to KWCS and especially to its
chairman, Sergey Kulagin, for valuable consulting assistance in the preparation of this issue of postage
stamps. The charitable proceeds from the sale of this KEP stamp will be transferred to the fund of
KWCS.
For this stamp, KEP also issues a postcard, which is used to
realize a maximum card.
Stamp description
No. 228. 150 + 50 KGS. The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Technical specifications
Paper: coated, gummed, 105 g/m².Printing method: full-color offset lithography.
Stamp perforation: comb 14:14½.
Stamp size: 46 × 27.5 mm.
Stamp is issued in minisheets of 5 stamps with one label. The minisheet coupon features a pair of common pochard.
Minisheet size: 113 × 108 mm.
Quantity issued: 7 000 stamps.
Designer: Daria Maier.
Printer House: "Nova Imprim" (Chișinău, Moldova).
A special cancellation on FDC will be carried out at the Bishkek KEP Office (729001) on the stamp issuing day.
The first day cover, postcard and special postmark
are designed by Daria Maier.
Cover size: С6 (162 × 114 mm).
Quantity of covers issued: 400 pieces.
Quantity of postcards issued: 400 pieces.
Endorsing ink color: black.
Stamps, maximum cards and FDCs can be purchased here.
