When munching was such a joy in Japan, one simply could not resist the temptation of savouring Japanese cuisine in Kansai. It wasn’t meant to be a birding trip in Japan…since there were lots of other temptations, but nonetheless, I still brought along my bino and a short lens hoping to see some birds as I jay walked in the Kansai region. Having landed in Osaka, I couldn’t miss the chance of visiting Osaka Castle Park. 😛 The magnificent moats and the stone walls built from Edo period was a breathtaking sight! It’s a huge park, and as I only assigned a morning to walk there, I only went to a few areas in the map below circled in red for bird watching! 😛 😛
bird watching place at Kansai Castle Park
It was such a bliss to walk in the park in early morning, and to see locals feed the gulls was an amazing sight! They all told me to get ready when they toss the food in the air…but never have I thought the gulls would come so close for their morning meal….I had to stand so far back to get a decent shot! 😛 😛
Locals would throw bread to feed the gulls!
Other birds floating in the canals were the Tufted Duck, Spot Billed, Common Pochards, plenty of Black Headed Gulls and Eurasian Wigeons and Mallards of course!
common pochard and Eurasian wigeon
tufted duck floating in canals
During winter, thrushes were never a shortage to see in Japan, a short stroll around the forest area and even open grounds, I could easily spot the Pale Thrush and the Dusky Thrush! 😛 😛 There were also the White Cheeked Starling, Black Crows (zzz), Brown Eared Bulbuls and Green Backed Tits…now where were those Varied Tits? 
White cheeked starling, dusky thrush, green backed tit, pale thrush
Brown eared Bulbul is a resident in Japan
As I was about to leave the park, I bumped into a few local birders… 😛 They gathered round an area, and while having their hot-pot (yummy!!); they raised their binos whenever a bird stopped for a little snack! I am pretty sure I’d do that when I have arthritis! OUCH!
One of my surprise visiting the Castle Park was to see a beaver! As I walked down the bridge, I saw this beaver along the edge of the canal begging for food! How cute is that? 😛
Beaver Begging for food!
Apart from Osaka Castle Park, I also made a short visit to Nanko Bird Sanctuary. Here is the website. http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/search/detail/sightseeing_1235.html I was a little disappointed as I did not see much birds at the main tower. The birds were far, so it was a better to bring a spotting scope instead! However, the walk along the trails next to the main tower hide was fruitful. Finally ticked a bird which is common to everyone but not me… @_@”. May I present to you the Oriental Greenfinch! 😛
Oriental Greenfinch
Okay, here’s a photo of me munching… 😛 😛
That’s me
