Saw Whet Owl Philately Appraisal

USA 25 Cent Saw-whet Owl Postage Stamp

This item is a United States postage stamp, denominated at 25 cents. It features a colorful illustration of a Saw-whet Owl perched on a branch, likely a conifer or evergreen given the needle-like foliage. The owl's plumage is depicted with shades of brown, white, and a hint of orange/buff on its chest, characteristic of the species. Its prominent yellow eyes with dark pupils are a focal point. The background of the illustration transitions from a light blue sky at the top to an orange/pink hue towards the bottom, suggesting either a sunrise or sunset setting. The denomination '25' is prominently displayed in the upper left corner in a dark, possibly black or dark blue, sans-serif font. The country abbreviation 'USA' is located directly to the right of the '25', also in a dark, sans-serif font. The stamp is rectangular with perforations visible along all four edges, indicating it was separated from a sheet. The paper appears white or off-white. The condition of the stamp appears to be uncancelled, suggesting it is either mint or used without postal cancellation marks. While the central image is clear, there are slight signs of edge wear or potential minor creasing visible, particularly along the bottom edge, which might be due to handling. The illustration style is realistic, reflecting the typical artistic approach for US postal issues of its era. This stamp is part of a series focusing on nature or wildlife, specifically birds.