Garden Delights stamps hover into view March 16 at March Party stamp show

By Charles Snee

Four United States stamps illustrating photos of a female ruby-throated hummingbird hovering near a zinnia, cigar flower, spotted touch-me-not or sunflower will be issued March 16 at the March Party stamp show near Cleveland.

The show, sponsored by the Garfield-Perry Stamp Club, will run Friday, March 15, through Sunday, March 17, at the Best Western Plus, 15471 Royalton Road in Strongsville, Ohio.

The Best Western Plus offers a special show rate of $114 per night. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel at 440-238-8800.

A first-day ceremony for the nondenominated (68¢) Garden Delights definitive (regular-issue) stamps is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday in the Juniper Room of the Best Western Plus.

Among those scheduled to give remarks are Scott English, executive director of the American Philatelic Society; and Rob Swindell, president of the Black River Audubon Society in Lorain County, Ohio.

Tonya M. Ware, manager of customer service operations for the USPS, will serve as the dedicating official.

[Editor’s note: Charles Snee, senior editor of Linn’s Stamp News, will host the ceremony.]

Greg Breeding, a seasoned designer and art director for the U.S. Postal Service, worked with wildlife photographer Ben King of Charlottesville, Va., whose vibrant pictures appear on the Garden Delights stamps.

“Ben King is a long-time family friend,” Breeding told Linn’s. “His father, Mark King, and I have been close friends for over twenty years.”

“From boyhood, Ben has loved the outdoors and wildlife and began shooting photography while a professional cyclist,” Breeding said. “Today his work is gaining a lot of attention!”

King’s portfolio, as shown on his website, is extensive. The galleries that can be accessed on the home page feature various animals native to the United States, such as birds (including owls and raptors), mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Also highlighted are photos taken in Europe, landscapes and themed posters that are available for download.

“The beauty, power, and balance of nature point us toward truths we’re often blind to,” King said on the home page. “Photography has been an outlet to ground myself in these qualities anywhere I am.”

“While I love discovering new species, my favorite photography moments have been capturing ‘the usual suspects’ in ways that inspire renewed appreciation and curiosity in others.”

“Ruby throated hummingbirds are the most widespread and populous hummingbird species in North America,” King told Linn’s via email Feb. 27. “For that reason, they fall into the ‘usual suspect’ category. Yet, they are so bright and fast that each fleeting glimpse creates wonder. I believe they were chosen [for the stamps] for this reason.”

“My goal through wildlife photography is to pass on a little bit of the joy I experienced in each encounter,” King said. “I view my art not as creation but an attempt to translate and portrait the truth and beauty gifted to me.”

“All of the techniques and skills I’ve developed aim to that end,” King explained. “It is why I am so humbled, honored, and hopeful that ‘Garden Delights’ will reach so many through the USPS.”

King’s pictures on the Garden Delights stamps beautifully capture a female ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) hovering in front of a flower. Each pairing of bird and flower is seen in sharp focus against a blurry background.

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