The promise of rain and high winds ahead of Tropical Storm Karen might have brought a few warblers down into New York’s Central Park during a visit last month. I stood, eagerly waiting, ready to give them a good watching as soon as  they dropped into the Ramble, but the storm veered out across the ocean and left the city in the gloom under a blanket of low cloud.

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Even the hoped-for warblers were unable to shine through the dull light, but on a fruiting bush in the Shakespeare Garden, a flock of Starlings, taking on their winter colours, managed to sparkle through the murk.

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Most of us are familiar with this worldwide coloniser, but few of us stop to pay them much attention. There is great pleasure to be found in the common and mundane if only we remember to look.

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.