The Strike of the Shrikes

This article is the second article contributed by Ms Roxanne Lau, a trainee teacher who has recently completed her Teaching Practicum in Greendale Secondary School. Ms Lau has a strong interest in our local biodiversity and is knowledgeable about our local fauna. During her stint in the school, she followed the lives of our resident long-tailed shrikes. We thank her for contribution and wish her all the best in her teaching career. - Mr William Teng

Written by Ms Roxanne Lau (trainee teacher)

It has been some time since Greendale’s long-tailed shrike population was first introduced on this blog. The young shrikes have since fledged and grown into juveniles who can fly and hunt for food independently. Despite that, the parent birds are still around, catching prey for their young ones when they fail and making fierce alarm calls to protect them whenever danger is sensed. 

Somehow, the shrike family’s activities reminded me of my situation. Navigating in a fresh environment, picking up new skills, and practicing the learned techniques, hoping to become better. From the juvenile’s flight, it is apparent that they are no skilled fliers, yet. There were times when they were outsmarted by their prey, leaving them with a hungry stomach and no food. In those disappointing moments, the parent shrikes returned to guide them, modelling the correct preying techniques, and providing a safe environment for them to practice their flight. Likewise, I found myself in a nurturing environment. I was presented with opportunities to explore, to learn, and I was able to express myself freely. To the students reading this, cherish your time in school and be brave to venture. Feel safe to dream as teachers are here to support you in the journey. 

One day, we will all be able to fly high and far, just like the young shrikes in our backyard. Until then, let’s trust the process, have faith in ourselves, be unafraid to make mistakes and more importantly, learn from them.

Shrike 1: Adult, parent shrike with food in mouth [16 July 2021]

Shrike 2: Early juvenile shrike contemplating about life [16 July 2021].

Shrike 3 (Ms Lau out): Late juvenile shrike contemplating about life too [28 July 2021]

Shrike 4 (bonus): Early juvenile shrike staring and providing cliché wise quote from the Internet

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