The Full Story
What we do
The Copper Country Bird Club has been connecting people with birds and bird conservation across the Keweenaw and western Upper Peninsula since its first meetings in January 1976. What began as a small group of local bird enthusiasts has grown into a vibrant community dedicated to bird research, education, and stewardship of the region’s extraordinary birdlife and habitats—supporting everything from Christmas Counts and migration monitoring to local field trips and public outreach. Rooted in decades of volunteer effort and scientific curiosity, the Club works to deepen appreciation and understanding of birds from Lake Superior shorelines to boreal forests. As we approach our 50th anniversary in January 2026, we celebrate this legacy and look forward to many more years of citizen science, education, and community engagement in the Copper Country.
Mission
To bring together those interested in the study of wild birds and in the conservation of natural resources; further the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of ecology; and to cooperate with other organizations having similar objectives.
Vision
A future where the Keweenaw, Upper Peninsula, and greater Lake Superior Watershed support healthy bird populations and thriving natural landscapes, inspiring a strong local conservation ethic.
50 years of Keweenaw Bird Conservation and Research
Copper Country Bird Club (previously known as Copper Country Audubon) had its first official meeting in January of 1976. Much of that early history is lost but we know that Art Weaver, Frank Isaacs, Bob Janke and Norm Sloan were among those first members. In February of that year they did a 'practice' Christmas Bird Count. The first official Houghton County Christmas Count took place in December 1976.
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In the spring of 1994 the first edition of the CCA newsletter - The Brockway Lookout - was issued.
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In the Summer of 2024, the club voted to change the name of the organization to the "Copper Country Bird Club."
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The PDF linked below is a brief summary of the club's history, written by Dana Richer and Art Weaver, which he entitled Our Wonderful Birdwatching Community.