Sachi and I went to Kichijoji today for dinner, some shopping, and a walk in the park. The usual complement of ducks were there, which is to say the Spot-bills, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Tufteds, and Common Pochards–though Mandarins could not be found. Crows and Bulbuls were there in abundance, and a few Great Tits could be spotted. Even a Northern Goshawk was visible in a treetop.

In addition, Inogashira’s two common-yet-special visitors were in attendance:

A Black-Crowned Night Heron (click for larger image) can often be spotted lurking in dark areas at the water’s edge, usually perched low on a branch near the water.

Here’s a better view–again, click for a larger image, or click here for the jumbo-sized (1500 x 1000).

The other handsome attendee is a Common Moorhen, which usually can be found standing on a low post or swimming just beyond the ducks being fed by park visitors from the main bridge. Go to either end of the main bridge and look to the back of the groups of ducks, and you’ll probably spot one.

After Inogashira, we went shopping, and saw a nice dog-oriented pet store which sported a notably funny Engrish name. One has to imagine that this has been featured in many blogs, as the shop is on a prominent street corner in a popular shopping area, and has a huge sign. Someone must have pointed out the double-entendre to them already, or at least one would imagine so. (Update: And here it is on Engrish.com–hat tip to my sister.)