The Big Sit: A Birding Celebration at Mni Owe Sni

You’re invited to settle in, look closely, and become part of a global effort to capture a living snapshot of the world’s bird populations at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring). Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious, this laid‑back community event turns simple observation into meaningful science.

Overview
From sunrise to sundown, rangers and volunteers will be stationed in the accessible parking area, ready to help you spot and identify the birds seen at Coldwater Spring. Native sparrows hop through the grasses, thrushes move quietly among the trees, and bluebirds flash their color in the early light—each one contributing a vital piece of information about how birds use this landscape.

Enjoy ranger-led birding walks, borrow binoculars (limited supply), and catch a live raptor presentation from the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center. Junior Rangers can also complete hands-on activities at the event to earn their Junior Ranger badge, making this a great family-friendly day outdoors.

Every bird you observe and report adds to a better understanding of bird populations and strengthens our stewardship of Coldwater Spring. Come for a few minutes or stay the whole day—your presence helps tell the story of this place.

While registration is not required (except for guided birding walks), registered attendees receive event updates including cancellations.

Drop-in Activites
Bird Observations with the National Park Service | 7:30 am – 6:30 pm

Staff from the natural resources team will guide data collection, and no experience is needed to participate.

Junior Rangers Activities with the National Park Service | 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Explore, learn, protect: earn your Junior Ranger badge at our Junior Ranger station while you have fun learning about birds and how the Mississippi River creates the country’s biggest highway in the sky: the Mississippi Flyway!

Scheduled Activities
Guided Birding Walks with the National Park Service (Registration and tour times are coming soon!)

Ranger-led birding walks will offer easy introductions to birding basics. Space is limited, and limited number of binoculars will be available for registered participants, and we encourage sharing, Last-minute walk‑ups are welcome when space opens.

Raptor Viewing with the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center | 12:00 – 1:00 pm

The University of Minnesota Raptor Center works to ensure the health of raptors and the world we share. Their clinic takes in over a thousand injured birds every year for treatment, while their education ambassador birds travel all across Minnesota to help inform the public about the importance of raptors to our environment. They will be bringing live birds to show on the glove as they talk about what makes these raptors unique and vital parts of our ecosystem.

Guided Hike with the National Park Service | 1:30 – 2:30 pm

Mni Owe Sni is rich with cultural history in addition to its natural landscape. Learn about the area’s cultural significance and its designation as a traditional cultural place in the National Register of Historic Places on this ranger-led hike.