Hello, Bird People: No one can top Andy Jones' weekend owls and other birds trip, but we had a pretty good day in Pine County today (Feb. 1). Great gray owls were very cooperative for Laura Erickson, Holly Peirson and me: 1 on CR 48 just before Cloverdale 8 on CR 21 heading north from Cloverdale 5 on CR 30 heading east at the CR 21 intersection 2 on CR 22 heading north from CR 30 intersection 6 on CR 32 heading west to Askov from intersection with 22 1 on I-35 just outside Hinckley
Also saw three bald eagles, a batch of ravens, possible ruffed grouse, turkeys and the usual other birds. Stopped for a great lunch at the Partridge Cafe in Askov (if you don't want gravy on your grilled ham and cheese, you're going to have to say so). Total expenditures: $27 on lunch $32 on gas $12 on snacks for a total of $72 spent on a birding outing. Regards, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn.