New stamps feature birds central to Manx folklore

The six-stamp set features the names of the birds in Manx Gaelic

A new stamp collection celebrating Manx natural and cultural heritage through a bird family central to the island's folklore has been launched.

The six-stamp Celtic Corvids collection features illustrations of ravens, choughs, jackdaws, rooks, magpies and crows by artist Julia Ashby Smith.

The designs feature the Manx names for each species with a focus on the distinctive poses and personalities of the birds.

Ms Ashby Smith said growing up next to a rookery meant she had a long-lasting "fascination" with corvids and the myths and folklore associated with them.

In Celtic mythology ravens, were associated with death and war, magpies would bring a blend of good or bad luck, and crows were often seen as messengers from the underworld.

Additionally choughs were linked to the legend of King Arthur in the island's folklore, rooks tied to weather predictions and good fortunes and jackdaws were symbols of curiosity and superstition.

Julia Ashby Smith said she developed a fascination with the birds growing up

The six stamps depict a raven cawing, a chough flying, a Jackdaw looking over its shoulder, a Rook about to take off in flight, a crow and hoodie perched on branches and a magpie in flight.

Ms Ashby Smith said they were "remarkable beings" and she could "happily spend hours watching them".

"Whether it be the tumbling acrobatic choughs off Bulgham rocks, the purring ravens above Ballure, or the raucous magpies and problem-solving hoodies in the garden," she added.

Stamps and coins manager Maxine Cannon said the "detailed and evocative designs" celebrate "both our natural and cultural heritage".