Lake-storks

Perhaps the most interesting and unique of the intelligent birds living in and around Esgaroth is the lake stork. Although they migrate south during the winter, these creatures nest almost exclusively upon the Long Lake from late spring until early autumn, and most make their homes in the thatch of Esgaroth's steep barrel-roofs and atop the town's chimneys. Ethnic folktales credit the storks with aiding the Lake-folk in times of danger; having a couple nest atop one's home is said to bring good luck. Most storks speak a smattering of Rhovanion Westron (MERP Rank 1 or 2) and are treated almost as non-Mannish citizens.

The accomodations afforded the storks testify to their special status in the region - Lake-town's chimneys are specially designed with a solid, broad, flat top to encourage the creatures to build homes. Smoke can escape through vents in the side of the stack and seems not to other avian families nesting just above. Some folks even knock out the ends of a small barrel and affix it horizontally to the summit of their chimney - a chimney pot designed to attract Esgaroth's favorite bird. Slaying one of the creatures is almost tantamount to murder, and results in a heavy fine and social disgrace.