The Stork.
Reading edition
A feeling of attachment, not devoid of superstition, procures the stork an unmolested life in all Moslem countries. The Dutch regard them as birds of good omen, and a wagon-wheel is often laid upon the house-top for the stork to build his nest on, during which time the house is safe from fire. It is sometimes called by them the "fire-fowl" and "baby-bringer."
In North Germany, the first time in the year that a girl hears the stork, if it clatter with its bill, she will break something; if it be flying, she will be a bride before the year is out; if it be standing, she will be asked to stand godmother.
Storks are "fabled" to be very attentive to their aged parents, carrying them from place to place and feeding them if they are blind. Aristophanes says—
"'Tis an ancient law Among the birds, on the storks' tables writ, Soon as the father stork hath nourished all His brood, and made them fit for flight, in turn The younglings should support their aged sire."