I didn't realise how strict the "one bag" to carry on was!
So it was a good thing I arrived early at check in. Thank goodness for cargo trousers and plenty of large jacket pockets. After that the flight was fine and we actually landed early, about 8.20pm, but I had to hang around until 10.15 for Jos to collect me (always late he said). At least I had time to top up on the nicotine and caffeine levels.The airport was about 100km from where he lives just outside Vilnius. There was quite a lot of snow on the ground and the temperature was dropping to about -15. There were 2 steep slopes up to his house (snow-covered of course) and I thought "no way" - but he did.
Finally inside, I met Kristie the cat, who thought it was playtime. A good gossip was then called for over a cup of coffee.
The morning dawned bright and sunny and I pulled the curtains back to be confronted by a Willow Tit
in the tree feeder outside (thank goodness for that lengthy thread 
) Oh woweee, I thought, we're off to a good day - a lifer as soon as it's light! Shortly after Jos set off to work leaving me to watch, from 3 different windows, all the feeders in the garden. I didn't know where to look at times, there was so much activity. The kitchen window was dominated by Tree Sparrows (lost count but 40+), Blue, Great, Coal and occasional Marsh Tits.The front window, again Great and Blue Tits, Yellowhammers, more Tree Sparrows, Greenfinches, then a Great Spotted Woodpecker came down onto a hanging feeder. A couple of Jays came in to raid as well. Then my other star for the day a Middle Spotted Woodpecker.
Two Lifers on the first day!The back window - more visits from the Willow Tit, Blue Tit and a Nuthatch.
Returning to the kitchen, another Nuthatch then a Crested Tit, actually sat on the window sill for a few seconds!
Outside now to re-fill the nut feeders and Ravens flying overhead krukking away.
Then I thought it was time for a little exercise so took myself a walk around the area. More tits in the trees and I could hear Nuthatches calling too. Returning to the house a male Chaffinch was sitting in the hedge; later there was a male and female feeding on the ground.
When Jos returned we set off for an evening's owling. This entails being bounced around icy forest tracks with horrible noises coming from beneath the car!
Numerous stops to play a tape produced absolutely nothing! However a highlight of the night for me was to see Wolf and Elk tracks in the snow.Then into Vilnius for a meal and to see icebergs in the river. hmmm.... Think they were ice flows, Jos
- still quite impressive though, as it rarely gets that cold even in Scotland for such a sight.D