Currently, the bird species tally here is 87, which is fantastic for a reserve of this type and size.
JP’s is a fairly small reserve (about 5 acres) on the Barongarook Creek, Forrest St, Colac. On the eastern edge of town.
JP’s – A rough outline of Joseph Paastch Nature Reserve
Sacred Kingfisher – this one really caught me by surprise as it’s not real common to this area and I just wasn’t expecting it. Glad my camera was ready.
Yellow Thornbill – One of my all-time favourite shots. I still remember that moment fairly well, was a very curious little cutie. I got many usable shots but this one was a standout.
Lewin’s Rail – Not the best shot in the world, but I was fist pumping the air when I got this shot of my first ever Lewin’s Rail. And it was great to get it as a local sighting as well.
Fan-tailed Cuckoo – A migratory species to this area in early Spring. This pretty looking bird actually lays it’s egg in other birds nests, usually Thornbills and Scrubwrens. The Cuckoo egg generally hatches sooner and the chick instinctively goes to work getting rid of any rival eggs or chicks causing the host species to rear the Cuckoo on it’s own as their own chick.
Grey Goshawk – How could I mention Joseph Paatsch’s without mentioning the Grey Goshawk? Such a beautiful bird of prey, is semi-resident to JP’s, often showing up and hunting around the creek edge early Spring to late Summer. I have seen Grey Goshawks here literally dozens of times. And I’ve got heaps of photos to prove it. I just love this bird
White-naped Honeyeater – Great to see some young White-naped Honeyeaters doing well here. This bush bird has found a nice place in town.
White-eared Honeyeater – Another bush bird I’ve only seen here a couple of times. But I think it’s promising to have any new species coming in and checking out the area. It can only get better.
Colac Birder 