1979 $1 Duck Stamp – LI Wetlands and Waterfowl League Inc. (Goldeneye Issue)

This post will look at a 1979 $1 Duck Stamp issued by the Long Island Wetlands and Waterfowl League Inc.  It features 3 golden eye ducks in flight with the denomination below in the bottom right.  This stamp was designed by Diane Pierce.  

The 1979 Long Island Wetlands and Waterfowl League Inc. $1 Duck Stamp is a fascinating piece of conservation history. Issued by a regional organization dedicated to protecting Long Island’s marshes, waterways, and migratory bird habitats, this stamp captures a moment in time when local conservation groups played a major role in funding wildlife protection.

Featuring a beautifully illustrated Goldeneye duck trio in flight, the stamp blends artistry with purpose—exactly the kind of design that makes non‑federal duck stamps so collectible today.

A Local Conservation Stamp With National Appeal

While federal duck stamps issued by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are widely known, regional stamps like this one tell a more personal story. The LI Wetlands and Waterfowl League Inc. produced stamps to raise funds for habitat restoration, waterfowl management, and public education across Long Island’s coastal ecosystems.

Collectors appreciate these local issues because they often had small print runs, limited distribution, and artwork commissioned specifically for the organization. The 1979 Goldeneye design is a perfect example—clean lines, natural colors, and a classic waterfowl composition that fits right into the tradition of American wildlife art.

Why the Goldeneye Matters

The Common Goldeneye is a striking species known for its emerald‑green head, crisp white body, and fast, whistling wingbeats. Long Island sits along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a key wintering and migratory stop for Goldeneyes and other diving ducks.

By choosing this species for the 1979 stamp, the League highlighted:

• The importance of Long Island’s wetlands for migratory birds

• The need for continued conservation funding

• The beauty and diversity of local waterfowl populations

For collectors, species‑specific artwork adds depth and meaning to the stamp’s story.

Design Features Collectors Look For

The 1979 $1 Goldeneye stamp includes several elements that make it easy to identify:

• Organization: LI Wetlands and Waterfowl League, Inc.

• Year: 1979

• Denomination: $1

• Subject: Goldeneye ducks in flight over water

• Format: Single conservation stamp, non‑federal issue

These stamps were typically printed in modest quantities, and many were used by hunters or members, meaning mint examples are less common than you might expect.

Collector Interest & Display Value

Regional duck stamps have become increasingly popular among:

• Wildlife art collectors

• Duck stamp specialists

• Long Island history enthusiasts

• Conservation supporters

• Etsy buyers looking for vintage nature‑themed items

The Goldeneye artwork makes this stamp especially attractive for display—framed, included in a wildlife collection, or paired with other 1970s conservation issues.

A Great Addition to Any Wildlife or Philately Collection

Whether you collect federal duck stamps, state issues, or local conservation stamps, the 1979 LI Wetlands and Waterfowl League Goldeneye is a standout piece. It represents a time when grassroots organizations took the lead in protecting wetlands, and its artwork captures the elegance of one of North America’s most iconic diving ducks.

If you’re building a collection focused on:

• Waterfowl

• Long Island history

• 1970s wildlife art

• Conservation philately

this stamp fits perfectly.