The new Scenery stamp issue focuses on the two smallest islands in the Pitcairn group – Oeno and Ducie. Little is known of these islands and they complement the recent Pitcairn Island release with Henderson to follow.

Oeno is a low-lying atoll found approximately 120 km north east of Pitcairn. Estimated at only 0.7 square kilometres in area with a shoreline of 4.6 kilometres, it is flat, with a fringing coral reef and beautiful sandy beaches.

Discovered by Captain Henderson of the Hercules, it takes its name however from an American whaler which sighted the island in 1824. The tropical location gives rise to mangrove shrubs, pandanus and coconut palms as well as many species of birds. The lagoon is a tranquil turquoise blue however the reef has taken several ships to the bottom with anchors and chain still visible.

Oeno is the summer holiday destination of Pitcairners. Every year the traditional journey is made at night and many enjoy the semi-permanent “camp” that has been established.

Ducie is also a coral atoll and was discovered by Captain Edwards of the HMS Pandora while searching for the mutineers in 1791. He named the island after Lord Ducie but failed to find Pitcairn, which lay 470 km to the west.

Consisting of one large and 3 small islets around a lagoon, Ducie is also home to many birds such as masked boobies, petrels, fairy terns and frigate birds as well as lizards which all flourish since the removal of the Polynesian rats in 1997. Vegetation is sparse with little soil and no fresh water.

Ducie has also had its share of shipwrecks, the most notable being the Acadia, which was wrecked in 1881. The crew survived and made a 13-day journey to Pitcairn where two sailors took up permanent residence. The Acadia’s anchor now sits on Pitcairn overlooking Bounty Bay.

The stamps are available as sets in mint or CTO as well as on First Day Cover. The issue is on sale from 10 February, 2004 and is available from the Pitcairn Philatelic Bureau or Pitcairn’s appointed agents worldwide.