Wetland birding habitat

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

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

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

5/24/2026Fond du Lac River--Tompkins St.2 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

Canada Goose

1005/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

55/31/2026

Wood Duck

125/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

55/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/31/2026

Gadwall

25/31/2026

Mallard

305/31/2026

Redhead

155/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

85/31/2026

Wild Turkey

35/31/2026

Virginia Rail

5/31/2026

Sora

5/31/2026

American Coot

105/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

35/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

85/31/2026

Killdeer

5/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

35/31/2026

Black Tern

105/31/2026

Forster's Tern

35/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

105/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge?
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.