O1701s

Flora and Fauna

Bobcat

Fred Collins Signature

Collins Cover Announcement 

BOBCAT 

Two Dollar High Value

According to reports in the Philatelic Press, this issue is the first of a new, high value Wildlife series. Some time in the future, you can anticipate a five dollar and a one dollar stamp in similar format with a wildlife theme.

This is one of the finest wildlife covers that I have ever produced. In fact, I've been trying to think of one that beats it. The Eagle (R1601) is stirring. The Box Turtle in the CAPEX Wildlife set is a personal favorite. There have been many that I'm pleased with. But, oh, this Bobcat is something special.

A crystal clear, rushing trout stream high in the Catskill Mountains is the scene. Spring-fed water that is so cold that it would numb human flesh. But trout thrive in this habitat and two rainbows swim about looking for an insect morsel from the spring hatch.

But.....the trout themselves are being eyed as potential tasty morsels by two bobcat kittens recently born during the Catskill spring. As they perch on the rocky outcroppings at stream's edge, their outward appearance is cute and disarming but their intentions are deadly serious. They would truly enjoy a fresh fish dinner but the trout need not worry as they are completely safe in their deep, and swift pool.

Watching with intent interest is the beautiful and wary mother bobcat. She is both alert as her kittens' protector and patient as their teacher. She tolerates the delay in the hunt as she, too, eyes the enticing rainbow trout but realizes that they are unobtainable. So near and yet so far.

The first stamp in this high value Wildlife series is a gem. It is in horizontal format and shows a bobcat in full color perched on a tree limb. It is a very nice stamp.

After picking them up in the official city of Arlington, Virginia, it Was off to the Catskill Mountains via a flight to Albany, New York. Then it was a drive south to the village of Catskill and a great unofficial (real) related First Day postmark. It is very appropriate because of the name of the village and the name of the mountains in which an abundant population of bobcats make their home. This region is also nationally known for its excellent trout streams, so I'm sure the beautiful cachet scene has actually taken place many times over the centuries.

I do expect this cover to be a rapid sell-out for several reasons. High values are always popular. Wildlife covers are always popular. The Bobcat stamp begins a new highvalue Wildlife stamp series which will be popular. And, the actual hand-painted cachet scene as described above will make this COLLINS a definite winner. This FDC is what cover collecting is all about. Item #O1701 - $12.50

Autumn 2019 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 25 O1701 — $2.00 Bobcat — 6/1/90

This "entire" cover is a lovely one, and it sold out like wildfire. A mother bobcat has her two kittens out for a morning walk. The movements of a pair of rainbow trout swimming in the clear water of a mountain brook catch the attention of the youngsters. This is a cute and realistic wildlife cachet for the $2 stamp which is lovely by itself. After picking up the new high-value stamps in their official city of Arlington, Virginia, I flew north to Albany, New York. Then it was a relatively short drive south to the small town of Catskill in a region where wild bobcats still roam in abundant numbers and where many splendid trout streams run swift and deep. It was there in the small and friendly post office that I obtained a Collins exclusive unofficial first day of issue postmark from Catskill, New York. A must-own wildlife cover!