Ruurd Jelle van der Laij has been fascinated with nature from a young age and loved nothing more than bird watching. So him becoming a nature photographer and ecologist was almost inevitable. Throughout the many years he spent observing and capturing birds, he noticed something interesting, and actually quite funny. “When you get the time to take a series of pictures of one single bird, you will always have one or two frontals in between. I realized from the start that they made the birds look completely different. From that moment on, I decided to focus on it and make sure I would have at least one frontal in each series. Some birds start to look like angry birds, some funny or even ridiculous,” he said in a statement to Bored Panda.
It’s true, while most birds look majestic from most angles, something about their frontal images is just too funny. The same cannot be said about all birds, of course. For birds of prey, like owls, frontals are their normal way of looking at you, so the photograph will only be fun if they cock their head to the side. No explanation can do the job better than the pictures themselves, so without further ado, take a look at some beautiful birds from a completely new angle.

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij
To see more of Van der Laij's work you can visit his website, Facebook, or Instagram page.

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij
Related: 19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij
Related: Top Winners of the 2020 Bird Photo of The Year Competition

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij

Image Source: Ruurd Jelle van der Laij
Share these photographs with other nature lovers!
These Comedy Wildlife Photos Are Hilarious
Check out 20 of the best entries from 2018's edition of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
These Animals Painted on Wood Are Absolutely Gorgeous!
You've got to see this stunning animal art by Patrycja Prószyńska, all painted on fresh slices of wood.
Birds Come to Life In These Breathtaking Portraits
Each brushstroke in Rachel Altschuler's acrylic paintings accurately captures the personalities of different birds.
These Animal Portraits Will Make You Feel Serene
Each animal portraits by artist Raku Inoue is made out of seasonal materials, all natural. The result is peaceful and lovely to look at.
I Can't Believe People Go to Such Lengths For a Photo!
Get ready to see some of the most epic and creative photos ever snapped!
Have You Ever Seen Anything Cuter Than a Sleeping Owlet?
Baby owls can’t sleep upright as their heads are too heavy. So until they grow large enough they sleep on their tummy and the internet can't get enough of it.
7:58
Beautiful Nature Moment: Puffin Goes Hunting For His Chick
Watch how one puffin flies 50km (30 miles) out to sea to find fish for his chick. On the way, he must evade other birds that could rob him...
These Colorful Birds are Among the Most Vibrant!
These birds are so bright and beautiful that it's actually hard to believe they're real. Take a look at these 19 kaleidoscopic bird species for yourself.
13:49
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
Find Out More About North American Butterflies Here
Mankind has always been fascinated by butterflies and that fascination hasn't died down today. Take a look at these informative images.
Can You Guess the Famous Geological Formation?
Can you recognize the world-famous geological formations and landscapes that are blurred out in these pictures? Give it a go and see how many you get right!
Stunning Dogs in Their Natural Environments
These photos capture dogs amid Austrian wilderness. And the results are truly magical, capturing some enchanting portraits. Take a look for yourself.
2024 Bird Photography Awards: The Most Stunning Photos
If you're also enchanted by the colorful, surprising, and amazing world of the world’s birds, we have no doubt you'll enjoy the following 15 photos from the 2024 bird photography awards.
The Comedy Animal Photography 2025 Winners are Here!
present 15 selected photos submitted to this year’s competition, so sit back comfortably and get ready for a wonderful gallery that will show you the comedic side of the animal kingdom.
Award-Winning Nature Photos That Left Us Amazed (15 Pics)
Check out the awe-inspiring winners of the 2024 Nature’s Best International Photography Awards.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
4:54
Pigeons Have Played a Massive Role in World History
Pigeons are one of the most common birds in the world, but they're utterly underrated. In fact, they have played a huge role in world history. Find out more...
Gallery: Intimate Glimpses Into the Lives of Wild Animals
These intimate wildlife photos will remind you precious nature is.
11:13
The Wild Origins Story of Carnivorous Plants
Carnivorous plants are the creepiest and most fascinating inventions of mother nature. Get a glimpse at the origins story of the villains of the flower world.
The Humble Origins of 10 Proud Rivers
Did you ever wonder just how the world's greatest rivers begin? Here we show you the humble little sources of 10 amazing rivers. Just click to see!
12:01
21 Incredible Moth Species You Just Have to Meet
Introducing you to 21 remarkable moth species you may like to meet.
4:21
The Owl: True and Funny Facts!
This hilarious video explores the natural world, this time - the owl, a magnificent creature that still sounds really funny in this true facts video
8:33
Meet the Fanciest and Most Exotic Ducks in the World
Mandarin ducks, found in China and Japan, are widely regarded as the world's most beautiful ducks. Find out more about these rare birds.
2:24
This Stunning Bird of Prey Video Will Leave You in Awe!
Be humbled by the extreme beauty of these birds of prey in their natural environment.
If You Thought You Knew What Trees Look Like, Look Again!
Most trees are good in the background and you hardly notice them. Not so with these spectacular rare woodland giants. Here are 13 amazing trees.
The Power of Natural Disasters Captured in Poignant Photos
These photographs give you an in-depth and chilling look at the true power and toll of the worst natural disasters from storms to floods.
3:53
Cute Corner: Opening the Morning With Adorable Baby Moose
This lucky person, residing in Alaska, woke up to find twin baby moose and mother playing in sprinkler. Now how can a day not be good with such a lovely start?
18:56
15 of the Most Gorgeous Snake Species Around the World
Snakes can be so fascinating and yet so beautiful. Take a look at some of the most gorgeous ones on our planet.
The 19 Most Breathtaking Fall Photos From Across the Globe
Let's celebrate the unique beauty of autumn! Admire this beautiful season in 19 different places around the globe with these stunning photos
Incredible Wildlife Moments Frozen in Time: 14 Pics
Check out some of the highly commended photos of this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
4:20
This Pilot Loves Nothing Better Than Flying with Birds!
Birds of a feather flock together, and these birds are no exception as they take to the skies with a microlight pilot that they believe to be their mother.
5:10
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
Brighten Up Your Garden with These 7 Beautiful Flowers
Brighten up your garden by adding some of the best and brightest flowers around!
3:50
These Birds Haven't Changed in 44 Million Years...
Come with David Attenborough as he explores the Congo for these incredible and ancient species of birds.
19:12
Dads of the Wild: Animal Kingdom's Paternal Protectors
These animal fathers show unwavering dedication.
These 10 Animals Have The Strangest Qualities
Animals do the weirdest things sometimes. These animals will have you scratching your head for days.
4:21
Time Lapse Video: From Cute Caterpillar to Gorgeous Moth
Timelapse video shows a caterpillar's transformation into adult moth
1:58
Neglected Ducks See Water for the First Time!
For the first time in their lives two dozen recently rescued ducks get their first taste of life in a pond. They had been living for years with a hoarder who had them in pens without adequate access to water or proper nutrition. Watch their first int
Witness This Island Erupt in a Slew of Flamingos!
Once a year, an amazing natural phenomenon happens at Lake Nakuru in the middle of Kenya...
3:27
Nature in Fast-Forward: 1000 Days of Mushrooms
Showcasing 13 different types of fungi, the video is a mesmerizing journey through the growth and transformation of these incredible organisms.
A Decade of Stunning Weather Photography in 14 Images
These selections represent the most striking examples of weather photography.
12:21
To Save a Forest, These Folks Took the Help of Goats
Find out how goats are helping regenerate a forest and protecting it from bushfires.
7:43
Nature's Engineering Marvel: World's Largest Beaver Dam
A Canadian beaver family has built a dam that can be seen from space! But how is that possible?
12 Fascinating Facts About the North Pole
The North Pole is a unique & mysterious place, and it would be fun to learn more about it, so here are 12 lesser-known North Pole facts!
3:29
Watch This Adorable Pika Steal Food from Its Neighbors
This thief of a pika found an interesting way to find food.
Video Box: Teaching about Animals Through Humor and Art
Interesting and entertaining videos about animals with illustrations.
2:57
When a Tiny Octopus and a Gentle Man Form a Friendship
This video is not only sweet, but shows how intelligent and curious an octopus can be.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.