TONGA

P1: This lovely stamp shows a sunset scene and boats off the island of Vava'u

VANUATU

Masks and Art: this series shows some of the stunning objets d'art from the varied cultures of Vanuatu's islands. 65v shows a mask from North Ambrym. 85v displays a mask from Uripiv Is. / Malakula and 95v shows two wooden carvings, from Pentecost and the Vao Islands.

VANUATU

25v This issue shows a detailed map of most of the islands in the Vanuatu chain, as well as some of the commercial fish such as the Ruby Snapper (lower left)

VANUATU

75v Anniv. of Independence: Vanuatru is one of the newest island countries in existence, having gained independence in 1980; it was formerly known as the New Hebrides

VANUATU

35v Volcanic Eruptions: many of the islands of this archipelago are volcanic in origin, and some have sported spectacular eruptions in recent years

MADAGASCAR

300 Ar: Postal services for all with a design incorporating various national flags, a 2009 issue possibly linked to the 24th UPU Congress held in Nairobi, Kenya

PALAU

1c Gray-backed White-eye

41c Hypolimnas butterfly

Cancelled in Koror, the capital.

COOK IS.

10c Blue Lorikeet (Vini peruviana): this species is native to mixed lowland forest in the Society, Tuamotu and Cook Is. and is critically endangered and has been extirpated on many islands by predatory rats introduced by man or shipping activities.

MARQUESAS (FR. POLYNESIA)

90 fr: this stunning 2001 nature issue shows the plunging terrain and lush vegetation of Hakaui Valley on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia

NETH. ANTILLES

85c, 1 fl: these stamps were issued as a se-tenant design of birds of various denominations. The two pictured show the golden oriole and the yellow fronted Amazon parrot, two local species. The label images show two old world species: the European bee-eater and an African Starling, neither of which is native to the islands.

NEW CALEDONIA

70fr this issue shows an extinct megatoothed shark from the prehistoric fossil record, that once roamed the seas between 25 and 1.5 million years ago

COOK IS.

20c Pacific Mini Games 2009: Shotput and Discus

BAHAMAS

15c Junkanoo Festival, issued 2004. This issue shows the colors and pageantry of the local carnival fete celebrated in the Bahamas, on Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) every year.

NEVIS

40c: this stunning orchids issue was issued for Christmas 1990 and shows a species from the genus Epidendrum, native to South American and the southern Caribbean islands, and known for its long-lasting flowers.

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO

2010 International Biodiversity Year:

This amazing set was issued just days ago, and I will describe individual stamps in coming weeks

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO

2010 International Biodiversity Year Sheet:

This set was issued just 5 days ago, and I will post each stamp individually in coming weeks.

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO

$2.25 Symbols of Trinidad and Tobago: national flag and steel pans band

ST. LUCIA

10c Reef Scene with Longspine Squirrelfish. One of some 80 species of squirrelfish, this nocturnal species feeds on open Caribbean reefs at night.

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO

$1, $5: Beaches of the islands. $1 shows Pirates Bay, near Charlotteville in the extreme east of Tobago, and $5 shows a scene along the rocky coast near Toco, in far NE Trinidad

AITUTAKI (Cook Is.)

95c this lovely issue commemorates the 200th anniv. of the discovery of Aitutaki by William Bligh in 1789; on the stamp a local outrigger is being rowed toward the Bounty, anchored offshore

CAPE VERDE

60p this 2003 issue shows the Ceiba tree (known as pollao locally), a notable and widespread species known for its height, girth and shade properties

KIRIBATI

12c, 30c: this issue shows scenes of villagers harvesting coconuts and removing copra for export; this crop is among the most important economic activity in these low-lying islands

NIUE

20c, 35c, 40c, 50c Traditional Activities: this 1976 set shows local activities typical to the island such as canoe fishing, harvesting crops and collecting shellfish. This island territory is part of New Zealand and has a population of just 1,500.

MARSHALL IS.

10c, 60c, $1: Hibiscus varieties are depicted on this 2006 flora issue, sporting names such as Sundae, Fiesta and Norman Lee. The denominations reflect usage of the US dollar as this island country's currency.