CHAPPELL -- "Captain Morgan" added some feathery variety to the Deuel County Fair this week.

Jeffrey Morgan, also known as Capt. Morgan, brought a hands-on experience with birds not often seen in the Panhandle.

"I'm Capt. Morgan and his Feathered Family. I do bird shows, been doing them across the state of Nebraska, county fairs. I do bird shows at schools, churches, care homes. I have an amazing array of birds that are very well trained. They do amazing things with me," Morgan said.

The display of exotic birds and the bold announcement of their presence attracted children of all ages. Several of the children experienced holding the birds and learning how they react with people.

Morgan said his birds partner with him on many of his adventures.

"They go bicycling, kayaking, jet skiing, four-wheeling, horseback riding, they ride on the back of my Harley," he said.

He has taken them to public events, including Fourth of July celebrations.

"So, they are amazingly well-trained birds. They're pretty bomb-proof. Fact I even admit them at lots of Fourth of July events," he said.

Accompanying "Capt. Morgan" at the Deuel County Fair were varieties of Macaws and cockatoos. He said his love of birds started with one that died in his arms. He then got another, then another, until it became what he jokingly calls a sickness he shares with others.