Ever since it’s beginnings, humanity has longed for the ability to fly and admired birds for this reason. Greek mythology tells of a story about a boy named Icarus, and his father Daedalus, who attempt to escape from the island of Crete using wings that Daedalus constructed out of feathers and wax. Icarus, ignoring his father’s warning, desired to soar higher and higher, and in so doing, flew too close to the sun, and the melting wax caused Icarus to fall to his death.

Mythology aside, birds are a vital part of the natural ecosystems they reside in, keeping insect populations under control, pollenizing plants or trees, as well as providing spectacular visuals. Photographers love to capture pictures of birds, because their combination of color varieties, ability to fly and contrast against the still background makes for great photography.

Here are some majestic examples of bird photography.

Siesta by Istvan Lichner