“These kits have everything you need to get out birdwatching,” said Dickinson County Library Local History and Adult Services Specialist Emily Cummings.

The take-home backpacks include Vortex Crossfire binoculars with strap; two books, “Birds of Michigan Field Guide” and “The Kids Guide to Birds of Michigan”; and a pocket guide on Michigan birds.

Cummings noted the binoculars are user-friendly and high quality, providing a clear, crisp image for an enjoyable viewing experience.

“We have three fully stocked kits that are ready to be checked out for bird enthusiasts of any age,” she said. “We encourage everyone to explore the outdoors and have a good time discovering what is here in the U.P.”

Me-Interlibrary Loan Specialist Nikki Younk checks out a birding kit from Dickinson County Library Local History and Adult Services Specialist Emily Cummings. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

The kits was made possible through a donation from retired staff member Vicki Perkins-Underhill, made in loving memory of her father, John Paul Perkins, an avid birder and Great Lakes ore boat captain.

“When she found out I wanted to do this project, she offered to sponsor them to honor her father,” Cummings said. “We are grateful for her generosity that has allowed us to provide this new community resource to our patrons.”

Perkins documented more than 200 bird species crossing Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes during his travels. He created “floating gardens” filled with shrubs and flowers that allowed the migrating birds to rest and feed on his ore boat.

Perkins’ documentation significantly advanced the understanding of Great Lakes bird migration and was published in Audubon Magazine in the 1960s. He is remembered for using his unique occupation as a captain to study bird migration across the Great Lakes.

“His family hopes the community will use these kits to further his legacy of birding,” she said.

Cummings said she got the idea from a downstate library while attending the Michigan Library Association conference last fall.

“I thought, ‘What a neat thing to do,'” Cummings said. “It’s so nice to be able to add a program targeted for all ages.”

The downstate library provided examples of some birding kits, as well as offered information and tips.

“That really helped us get a leg up on what directions we were going, especially with the equipment (binoculars),” she added. “I love birds, but I have never birdwatched before.”

Cummings noted while all the items were collected by November, they needed to brainstorm on of how the library could track each piece, as well as make it easily accessible for the user.

They came up with the backpack idea to be able to take and go. The backpacks were complete and ready last week.

“It fell into place really nicely,” she said.

She added that the Audubon Society has been a great resource. They also offer tips for many different apps available for birdwatchers.

“There are ones that will record a bird’s sound and it will tell you what you are hearing,” Cummings said, adding she uses the Merlin Bird ID app.

The app has a digital checklist that tracks all the birds you have recorded.

Cummings said she found the wide variety of birds in the northwoods especially interesting.

“I was lucky enough to come across a scarlet tanagers and indigo bunting for the first time last year,” she said. “It’s very cool to see new species.”

She said the Fumee Lake Natural Area is a great location to start exploring.

If the kits are popular, they plan to expand on its “bird program.”

The Friends of the Library has also purchased a smart bird feeder with camera and internet features. The feeders will be hung in the trees outside the library on Iron Mountain Street in the spring.

People will be able to visit the DCL website to watch a live feed of visiting birds.

“We are very lucky that we have such a wonderful community who are very generous to us,” Cummings said. “We are looking forward to what can grow from this.”

The library presented several bird programs in 2025 that included visits to Fumee Lake and the Norway Myr wetland.

“We also built birdhouses that participants could take home,” she added. “We hope doing these fun things with the kids will get them interested and excited about bird watching. Then these small bird lovers will become grown-up bird lovers.”

The library will host a presentation April 18 with bird photographer David Heritsch, who has published a book featuring his photographs.

Cummings hopes this new birding kit will inspire individuals and families to engage with the rich birdlife across in Dickinson County and beyond.

The backpacks are now available to any Dickinson County Library card holder and can be placed on hold by contacting the library at 906-774-1218.

“We are excited for people to come back and tell us what they find,” Cummings said. “You will be amazed how many birds will come just in your own backyard.”

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.