A German nursery rhyme about the European white stork is known by many, we did sing it in kindergarden or in school. Today this great bird can hardly be seen wading in meadows or swamps. Common with other storks it is long-legged, long-necked and shows a long, stout bill.

Until the 16th century it was not known that the stork is a migratory bird. People believed it slept in the waters during winter. Nowadays its yearly migration to Africa is well studied. Modern and light tracking systems the birds carry on their back like a backpack make this possible. These studies showed that storks travel up to 500 km (~300 miles) per day day and can reach a top speed of almost 100 km/h (60 mph). To do this it uses wind currents on which it glides very well.

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is native especially to Europe. It takes a regular part in fairy tales and is named "Adebar". This name is derived form "Auda" which means "luck" and "bar" which means "to bring". Hence the stork is considered a lucky charm. Furthermore it was appreciated as a natural "vermin exterminator" and regarding the old wive's tale it was thought to bring the babies. Thus the stork has always be welcomed and cart wheels were attached to rooftops for them to nest in. Ironically humans at the same time have caused decreasing population of storks. The wetland they need to find food yielded new farmland, pollution due to pesticide and weed killers is an additional burden, and the growing "wiring" of our landscape isn't positive neither. Special protecting projects, a better sense for and interest in this bird slowly increased the population to a stable amount these days

Our stork would need a very strong squall to fly away – luckily. It rather stays in its cosy nest and enjoys being pet. And maybe it lets off the typical rattle. Just listen closely...

Size: 44 cm (~ 17.5")
Colour: White with black and red legs
Filling: Special polyester fibres
Manufacturer: Kösener Spielzeug Manufaktur, Germany

The proceeds of this sale will be donated to a children's charity organisation.