Canada Geese filling the sky over Horicon Marsh in fall

Horicon Marsh

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, divided between a state wildlife area and a national wildlife refuge. In fall, it hosts spectacular gatherings of up to 200,000 Canada Geese, along with diverse breeding marsh birds in summer.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/1/2026Theresa Marsh SWA--Central Access1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/1/2026Walmart DC Beaver Dam, Wisconsin1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

6/1/2026Oakfield Ledge SNA--North Unit2 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

6/1/2026Old Marsh Rd3 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

6/1/2026Old Marsh Rd5 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

5/30/2026Unnamed Road, Horicon, Wisconsin, US (43.478, -88.615)1 observed

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

5/29/2026Dike Rd, Kekoskee US-WI 43.53093, -88.600511 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/24/2026Horicon Marsh State Recreation Area, Horicon US-WI 43.47524, -88.601521 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/23/2026N749 Lake Bernice Drive, Campbellsport, Wisconsin, US (43.567, -88.299)1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/22/2026Wonser and 151 fluddle2 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/22/2026Horicon NWR--Auto Tour and Trails1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-capped Chickadee

16/3/2026

Tree Swallow

16/3/2026

American Robin

76/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

16/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

American White Pelican

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

36/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit in October for peak goose numbers

  2. 2

    The floating boardwalk trail is excellent for marsh species in summer

  3. 3

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horicon Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Horicon Marsh for birding are September-October. The best seasons are Fall and Summer.
What birds can I see at Horicon Marsh?
Notable species at Horicon Marsh include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, American Bittern, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Forster's Tern, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, European Starling. The area supports wetland, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horicon Marsh?
Birding at Horicon Marsh is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Horicon Marsh?
There is no entrance fee at Horicon Marsh. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Horicon Marsh?
Horicon Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Auto Tour Route, Boardwalk.