On 5 June, the mysterious bat adorns a luminous postage stamp by Åland Post, the first time an Åland stamp glows in the dark. It is the Åland contribution to the 2020 Nordic series on the joint theme mammals issued by the Nordic posts that now comes to an end.

Of 13 bat species found in Finland, ten have been observed in Åland. The most common bat is the Northern bat (Eptesicus nilssonii) that can be seen in all of main Åland. It favours semi­open environments and does not seem nearly as picky with its hunting grounds as other species. Relatively common is also the Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii). It hunts for insects over open water close to the beach, protected by the shade. The latest inventory shows that the Nathusius’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) has established itself in Åland. The areas surrounding the Kastelholm castle and the church of Sund are important habitats for bats. Bat populations have yet to be explored in large areas of Åland and only a few wintering grounds are known.

With this year’s inventive Nordic stamp issue, Bo Söderlund of Mariehamn makes his debut as a stamp artist. The local dimension was important to him when working with the stamp motif:

“I pondered on various characteristic elements in the surroundings that would support a batch of nocturnal bats and decided on the library. It’s one of the most interesting buildings in town, one that stands out in the darkness with its lit-up clock. I never falter to promote the library as a general institution if the occasion arises.”

Date of issue:  5 June 2020                                               
Artist: Bo Söderlund
Edition: 90 000                          
Denomination: €1.00             
Price FDC:  €1.80  
Stamp size : 40 x 26 mm   
Sheet size : 2 x 16 stamps      
Paper: 110 g/m2
Perforation: 13 per 2 cm                         
Printing method: 4-colour offset + fluorescens 
Printing house: Cartor Security Printing

“Charge” the stamp with artificial or day light to observe the luminescence of the stamp. In a dark room, parts of the stamp motif will glow. The more you “charge” the luminous print, the stronger the effect.

Order stamp, first day cover and maximum card in the webshop, by letter to Åland Post Stamps, PB 1100, AX-22111 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland, or by telephone: +358 18 636 641.