The Crane, Stork, and Heron are three similar birds that have similar spiritual meaning. 
    The Crane is considered a messenger of God, or a symbol of communion with God, or Light Beings.  It represents entering higher states of consciousness.  In China, it represents immortality, long life and happiness.  In Ancient Greece and Rome, the Crane was sacred to Apollo and was a herald of spring.  In Christianity, it represents goodness, loyalty, good order.  The mysterious Ainu people of Japan perform a ritual crane dance as do the people of Korea.  The crane is often seen in traditional Japanese art.
    The Stork  is also a solar bird, and is a destroyer of reptiles.  It is associated with creation and birth and the coming of spring.  In China, it also represents longevity and happiness.  In Christianity, it represents chastity, purity, and piety.  Seeing a stork in a place where they are rare, or dreaming of one is considered a good omen.
    The Heron is another solar bird.  In China and Japan, the white Heron represents Light while the crow represents darkness and together represent yin-yang.  It represents regeneration and rebirth.  In parts of Africa, the Heron represents communication with God.
    All three of these birds represent, in one way or another, solar energy or light.  They are all water birds so also represent going with the flow of life.  Because all of these birds eat, among other things, snakes, frogs, and other reptiles that ofter represent evil or Satan, they also represent the constant struggle between good and evil.