With King Eider, flocks of Harlequin Ducks and scoters galore, the first days of January were spent on the Massachusetts coast of the U.S.A, with additional days further south to add many raptors and delights such as Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and numerous passerines such as Fox Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows.

Back in Lithuania, with temperatures plunging to minus 30 C, birding focussed on the feeding stations, the highlights a White-backed Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker at Labanoras and two Crested Tits in the Vilnius garden. An unexpected mid-winter bonus, Lithuania's first-ever Pygmy Cormorant, initially found at Christmas, was also present much of the month, along with White-tailed Eagles and Kingfishers, all adding flavour to an excellent month.