Bird-catcher is one of the most ancient professions. They were known as peddlers of decorative birds, songbirds and edible birds even in Antiquity. Catching birds was regarded as an honourable pursuit until the 19th century. It was also a hobby of the upper classes. The most famous bird-catcher is Papageno from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute”. In his aria, Papageno dreams of all the young women he hopes to catch like birds in his net.