NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1539911
58 Nebraskaland • August-September 2025 and rotate between them, sometimes swapping one bird for another on a given day, to ensure none of them are stressed or exhausted. "Spike and George back each other up," Kinsey said, referring to Spike's roommate, a 12-year-old eastern screech owl with an eye injury. George had rejected multiple previous roommates, either refusing to eat or picking fi ghts. But on their fi rst night in the same enclosure, staff were amazed to see the older bird bring Spike his leftover mouse from the night before — something only a mate or parent typically does. Kinsey can't be sure, but she believes George sensed Spike's limitations. "He seemed to know, OK, this guy needs a little bit of extra help," Kinsey said. Life at Fontenelle Dozens of people aided in Spike's recovery and are now part of his everyday life. But Kinsey is "the mouse bringer," as she calls herself. Despite that prestigious title, and despite working with Spike and George for years, she doesn't believe they recognize her visually. "But I know when they hear my voice, that usually means 'mouse' or 'glove' or something to that eff ect," she said. At the end of the day, staff lock the gates, and then the raptors get their evening meal. Spike eats one mouse each day. "It's 20 grams, so I always compare that to, like, 20 paperclips," Kinsey said. Kinsey is hesitant to assign a wild animal more human qualities, or to speculate about what his personality might be. In Spike's case, mentally, "I don't think there's a lot going on," she said. But she and the staff do recognize signs of stress versus contentment, which they monitor for. If Spike does have a personality, "derpy" is the best word for it, How to Help Raptors "There are raptors all around you," said Ell Kinsey, one of Spike's main caregivers. A few simple actions, like these, can help prevent future raptor injuries and deaths: • Put trash away instead of tossing it along roadsides. That attracts rodents, which attracts hungry raptors to busy roadways. It's not uncommon for rehabbers to see birds hit by cars, Kinsey said. • Choose lead-free fishing weights and ammunition. As hunters and anglers shift to lead-free alternatives in their gear, it can have a huge, positive impact for raptors and other wildlife. "All it takes is lead the size of a grain of rice to kill a fully-grown eagle," Kinsey said. • Avoid harmful pesticides. Certain pesticides and insecticides introduce toxins into the ecosystem, and the effect spreads. "If a rabbit is poisoned, it doesn't leave the food chain when the rabbit dies," Kinsey explained. She recommends asking your local plant nursery about more natural alternatives. • Consider catch-and- release traps for pests. Some pest traps, like glue traps or fly ribbons, pose a threat to raptors seeking an easy lunch — who may then get stuck themselves and struggle to escape. Omaha-based artist, author and educator Regan Ralston focuses on the magic of the everyday in her artwork. Spike's curious stares reminded her of "the wonder we share with all living things." Rachel Whitner of Birmingham, Alabama, found inspiration in each raptor's unique face.