The common cormorant feeds voraciously, and in olden times in Japan, these birds were trained by Japanese fishermen to fish for their owner, a cord round the neck preventing it from swallowing the catch. The cormorant birds were sent out into the water to catch the fish. Each bird on a leash, and it required skill to prevent the leashes from becoming entangled as the birds dived repeatedly for their catch. The leash was attached to a small metal ring, which was attached around the base of the cormorant's neck.

We also sighted some Spot-billed ducks, Tafted ducks, Grey Herons, Great Egrets, and Greenshanks.

Of course, the list of bird species doesn't end here. There are lots more to be seen depending on whether you visit during the right season. A complete bird list can be obtained from the Wild Bird Society of Japan and is also available on the pamphlets given out by the park.

At the freshwater ponds, there were thousands of tadpoles swimming around.

In my mind I was thinking, "I wouldn't want to fall into the water and be surrounded by these slippery wriggly creatures!"-it makes one shudder to think if, in a few months' time, one would be surrounded by thousands of frogs/toads if visiting the park again!

I personally have difficulty differentiating between frogs and toads. I did find one (frog/toad?) some distance away amongst the bushes by the side of a stream. Hmm, I wonder if that was the mother?