Then we have our bokmakieries, a type of shrike. But they are very different from the common shrike or butcher-bird. Both Mr. and Mrs. have a light-yellow chest and underparts, with brownish-green back and wings. They wear a smart, black “bow tie” around the neck. From their throats come the most melodious notes and varied calls. For that matter, the bokmakieries are famous for their vocal duets. He sings a little phrase and she comes back with a different one. Their very tuneful songs can make early morning rising a little easier.

The bokmakieries have furtively made nests and fed their babies in a thick hedge near the fishpond.