This stork is really strutting his stuff – he is obviously very proud of the black eel he has caught!

This  white stork on a gold background is part of the coat of arms of Den Haag.  The whole coat of arms consists of a golden escutcheon with the stork and eel, a count’s crown and two golden lions rampant regardant. In 2012, the motto Vrede en Recht (Peace and Justice) was added, referring to the city’s global recognition as the home of international justice. 

Storks are generally regarded as bringers of luck and prosperity here in Den Haag. Back in medieval times, the many storks that nested in and around the Binnenhof would tidy up after the fish market, removing the filth and smell of rotting fish remains and reducing the likelihood of infectious diseases.

Sadly, the storks had all but disappeared in Den Haag and surrounding area until 1998, when eight pairs returned to stork stations that were set up to entice them back.

Linked to One Word Photo Challenge: Metallic and Signs, Signs.