At the Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo I also found these figurines representing water birds (mizudori in Japanese), put on the roof as amulets to protect against fire.
EXIF info:
Nikon D90
Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/400s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200