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Reposted by History of Ornithology

History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

1/2) This 1933 postcard was sent to Waldo Lee McAtee (1883-1962) in his capacity as Treasurer of the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU), a post he held for 18 years (1920-38). He had joined the Union in 1903, the same year he joined the Bureau of Biological Survey. #ornithology #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

2/2) McAtee last attended an AOU meeting in 1940. In 1953, he explained his lessened involvement through the progressive loss, by death, of his "old-time A.O.U. companions" who had introduced him to "another world." He lamented, "They were the Union; they remain the Union, for me."

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In my last article (see quoted post below) I featured a cover addressed to Willis Woodford Worthington. Here's another from the natural history dealer Charles Keller Reed. Enclosed in the beautifully illustrated envelope is a letter with an equally attractive letterhead. #ornithology #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In Jan 1884, Frank B. Webster of Pawtucket, R.I., took ownership of The Ornithologist and Oologist (O&O). This Jan 1885 postal card, signed by its editor Eaton Cliff, acknowledges $4.80 received for a bundled, discounted subscription to the O&O and Forest and Stream. #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

My History of #Ornithology articles have moved and are now a part of my Substack: History in the Mail. A lack of interest no longer made it worthwhile putting so much time and effort into a dedicated site. My latest article is now here... stampden.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-two-oologists

stampden.substack.com

A Tale of Two Oologists

The Story of Two Amateur Oologists, George Washington Morse and Dr. Marsden Treutlen Cleckley

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

While postal slogans promoting local events became commonplace in Australia, often sought by organisers as a form of publicity, the 1938 Hobart Regatta Centenary slogan was never what its organisers had wanted. I explore that story here… stampden.substack.com/p/they-wante...

stampden.substack.com

Hobart Regatta Centenary 1938: The Stamp Tasmania Never Got

In 1938, Tasmania campaigned for a commemorative stamp for the Hobart Regatta Centenary. Discover the politics, history and postal slogan that marked the occasion.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Used from 1957 to 1961, the Australian postal slogan SPONSOR A BRITISH MIGRANT belonged to an era of change in which British immigration was being actively promoted as the foundations of a more diverse migration policy were being laid. #philately tinyurl.com/2rxz653x

tinyurl.com

A Very British Australia

British Migration, National Identity, and the Changing Face of Australia

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

I didn't see that other reply with the same link. My apologies for the repetition. However, I don't think there can be any doubt that this is the correct locomotive.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I sent ORAPEX an email pointing out some of my more recent writings on Social Philately. They have removed the video link and copied and pasted my email...

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

This Tuesday is Census Day 2026 in Australia, so here is a special double-barrelled Census edition of Slogan Shorts. In this history we highlight the only two Census campaigns promoted through Australian slogan cancellations: 1966 and 1976. tinyurl.com/aa8b8fm7 #philately

tinyurl.com

Every Person Counts

This Tuesday is Census Day 2026 in Australia, so here is a special double-barrelled Census Day edition of Slogan Shorts. In this history we highlight the only two Census campaigns promoted through Aus...

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Reposted by History of Ornithology

Sebphilatelie @sebphilatelie.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Merci aux organisateurs d'ORAPEX de juger mon résumé pertinent, & aux orateurs de Stockholmia 2019 pour l'inspirante présentation sur la philatélie sociale. #philatélie #histoirepostale ORAPEX 2027 aura lieu les 1er et 2 mai à Ottawa, capitale du Canada. sebphilatelie.blogspot.com/2019/11/stoc...

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The theme for ORAPEX 2027 is “Social Philately”, and I’m honoured to have my work listed among the recommended resources. A wonderful recognition of a growing area of philately that explores the stories, people, and communities behind the stamps and postal history. #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Addressed to Alphia Wilbur Goreham (1894-1977). He was discharged 30 October 1919 and, less than a month later, married Libbie Ellen Sodan (1898-1963), with whom he had two children. He was a life member of the Veterans of the AEF, Siberia.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

About 3 months work (not full time 😂). Thank you for your kind comment and time, it's not the quickest read!

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I once lived in the very vicarage to which this 1875 mourning cover was addressed. More than a 150 years later, that chance connection inspired an investigation that combined genealogy, social history, and postal history. tinyurl.com/2w2y4ep8 #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I've just released a new History of #Ornithology article on my Substack, about a cover from William Chapman Hewitson, author of British Oology, to his good friend, the renowned ornithologist and taxidermist John Hancock. It's all about Oology! tinyurl.com/3ztbvmhb #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

For two weeks in July 1948, Australian mail carried a humanitarian message: GIVE A DAY UNITED NATIONS APPEAL FOR CHILDREN. This postal slogan promoted UNICEF’s first global fundraising campaign to help children impacted by WWII. Full story here... tinyurl.com/48bx7md2 #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

I'm going to add another post to the many already on Bluesky lamenting the passing of Bill Oddie. Like many, I grew up watching The Goodies while reading his wonderful birding books, over and over again! RIP 🦤 share.google/IUctRLRTFvel...

share.google

Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85

Coming to fame in The Goodies, Oddie was later known for his wildlife expertise and presented BBC Springwatch

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Over on my Substack, I've released the second short history in my new series Slogan Shorts, in which I explore the social histories behind Australia's slogan cancels. #philately open.substack.com/pub/stampden...

open.substack.com

Victory Cancelled

How a postal slogan crossed enemy lines and met German resistance

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Reposted by History of Ornithology

Wilson Ornithological Society @wilsonornithsoc.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

📣 We are hiring a new Communications Specialist! This is a remote, flexible independent contractor role. We're seeking candidates with experience in science communication and familiarity with WordPress, social media tools, etc. Please share widely!

wilsonsociety.org

Job Opening: Communications Specialist (Contract)

Are you a science communicator interested in a flexible, remote, part-time role with an ornithological society? Read on!

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

3/3) Over his lifetime William Serle (1912-92) published 65 ornithological scientific articles and books; sixty dealing with birds of Africa. His best-known work is the 1977 book A Field Guide to the Birds of West Africa, co-authored with G.J. Morel and illustrated by Wolfgang Hartwig.

Photograph of Dr. William Serle taken in later life

Image of the book "A Field Guide to the Birds of West Africa" published in 1977, and co-authored by William Serle.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

2/3) William Serle travelled to Africa in 1937 as a medical doctor, living 20 years in Nigeria and Cameroon. In 1957 he returned to Scotland to become a minister. He was ordained in 1959 and made minister of Drumoak Church, where he served 28 years and to where this Cameroon cover was addressed.

Airmail envelope from Cameroun, addressed to Dr. William Serle and The Manse, Drumoak, Grampian, U.K.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

1/3) This c.1949, philatelically-inspired cover from Niamey, Niger, addressed to Miss. Serle at 64 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh, was likely sent by the Scottish doctor and ornithologist William Serle, who was listed at this address in 1950s editions of IBIS and the BOC Bulletin. #ornithology #philately

Philatelically-inspired airmail cover to Miss. Serle, 64 Strathearn Rd, Edinburgh, Scotland (Écosse); bearing stamps from the Afrique Occidentale Française (French West Africa) 1947 definitive series for a total of 50 French Francs; tied by Niamey R.P. / Niger circular date stamps, c.1949.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I’m so sorry to hear this. There really aren’t any words... Stay strong and keep focused on finding those stray moments of warmth and compassion and love that stand out from the shadows.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

What can three old envelopes reveal? More than expected! Behind these covers lies a story of family, migration, ambition, and a woman who continually reinvented herself. Available at: tinyurl.com/dn2p6dw8 #philately

tinyurl.com

Three Covers: The Story of Lottie, Ingfrid, and the Prima Donna

How three envelopes revealed a story of migration, ambition, reinvention, and forgotten connections

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

8. Jane Koch by Rembrandt Peale (1817)

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

7. Jane Griffith Koch Theobald died at 40 Rue de Provence on 23 November 1848, aged 76. This cover, sent sixteen years earlier, captures a moment in the life of an extraordinary woman who led an extraordinary life!

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

6. In 1845, at around 73 years old, Jane Koch caused considerable surprise by marrying Edwin Henry Theobald, a much younger English soldier. The marriage attracted gossip in Parisian circles, but she remained at 40 Rue de Provence until the end of her life.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

5. Her home became a celebrated social gathering place. She was a close friend of the Papineau family, appearing 142 times in Lactantius Papineau’s diary. She hosted dinners and balls, attended the opera, took friends on carriage rides, and generously gifted items to the Papineau children.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

4. When Jacob Koch died in 1830, Jane inherited an estate worth nearly one million francs, an enormous fortune at the time. By the date of this 1832 cover, Mrs. Koch was a wealthy Parisian widow living in a townhouse with gardens, stables, carriages, and the means to entertain.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

3. In 1819, the couple left Philadelphia for Paris. The following year, Jacob Koch purchased 40 Rue de Provence in the fashionable Chaussée d’Antin district for 135,000 francs. This grand townhouse would become the centre of Jane Koch’s life for almost three decades.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

2. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1798, Jane cared for Koch during his illness. According to family accounts, he promised that if he survived, he would marry her. He recovered, and they married in Philadelphia in 1801. Thus, a servant became the wife of a wealthy merchant.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

1. Addressed to Jane Koch at 40 Rue de Provence, Chaussée d’Antin, Paris. Mme. Koch was born Jane Griffith, in England, 1772. She emigrated to Philadelphia, where she entered the household of merchant Jacob Gerard Koch, an Amsterdam-born businessman who built a fortune importing textiles.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

3/3) Emerson was both an ornithologist and a landscape painter. He served the COC twice as president, and his painting of a Condor adorned the cover of the COC's journal, the Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club of California, which from 1900 (Vol. 2), was renamed The Condor.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

2/3) The 1¢ Grant postal card, addressed to Emerson at his home in Haywards, California, is from William Dutcher (1846-1920) in his capacity as AOU Treasurer. Emerson had joined the AOU as an associate member in 1885. Dutcher writes seeking a reply to an earlier letter sent 25 May.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

1/3) The Cooper Ornithological Club (COC) was founded 133 years ago today, on 22 June 1893. One week later, this postal card was sent to William Otto Emerson (1856-1940), a founding member of the club, and of its forerunner, the California Ornithological Club. #ornithology #philately

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

My current favourites... bsky.app/profile/stam...

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

3/3) Even ordinary stamps served the scheme. Skovgaard enclosed 100 used stamps with his letters, each carrying a message in Danish (pic), English, German, French or Spanish asking finders of ringed birds to report them to him. Recipients were asked to distributed them among friends & acquaintances.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

2/3) Skovgaard (1887-1972), pictured, manufactured his own aluminium bird rings, but obtaining metal was not always easy. He therefore reached an agreement with a supplier interested in stamps: aluminium in exchange for the more unusual postage stamps received on letters reporting ringed birds.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

1/3) #Ornithology and #philately collide with Danish ornithologist Peter Skovgaard. In 1920 he founded Dansk Ornithologisk Central (DOC) and the journal Danske Fugle, launching a bird-ringing scheme that eventually marked over 256,000 birds. He sent this 1943 DOC cover to his nephew Roland.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

3/3) Isolated, homesick, and driven to despair, he contemplated throwing himself overboard. Instead, he turned to the only lifeline available to him: a letter. I discovered his story through a single envelope: tinyurl.com/5anafew7 Read, enjoy, like, comment and subscribe!

tinyurl.com

George James Curgenven and the Power of Letters

Postal Networks, Authority, and Agency in the Mid-Victorian Maritime World

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

2/3) Four years later, he found himself on another historic voyage: helping transport the descendants of the Bounty mutineers to Norfolk Island aboard a ship commanded by a tyrannical captain.

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

1/3) In 1852, a fifteen-year-old boy left Cornwall carrying a newly issued midshipman's ticket. His first voyage took place on the pioneering first official mail service between Britain and Australia by steamship. #philately #history #Australia

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History of Ornithology @stampden.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

The trick is finding definitive confirmation they are one and the same person! 🤞

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