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

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/18/2026Horicon Marsh SWA--Quick's Point Trl./Palmatory St. Impoundments1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/17/2026Horicon NWR--Auto Tour and Trails1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/17/2026County Road AS Public Pond, Oakfield, Wisconsin, US (43.669, -88.625)6 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/16/2026Horicon NWR--Hwy. 49 (Fond du Lac Co.)2 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/15/2026Island Rd, Burnett, WI3 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/14/2026N10946–N11010 Point Rd, Waupun US-WI 43.59148, -88.626061 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/14/2026Campbell Dr (Timberline to Hilltop)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/12/20267094 County Road J, Juneau18 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

374/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

504/18/2026

American Coot

704/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/18/2026

American White Pelican

94/18/2026

Northern Harrier

44/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

Tree Swallow

4/18/2026

Barn Swallow

114/18/2026

American Robin

94/18/2026

Song Sparrow

64/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/18/2026

Common Grackle

114/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

504/18/2026

Sora

14/18/2026

Forster's Tern

14/18/2026

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.