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

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

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

4/17/20261420 Lighthouse Village Road, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, US (43.74, -88.423)1 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

Trumpeter Swan

24/18/2026

Mallard

44/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/18/2026

Great Egret

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

24/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/18/2026

American Robin

54/18/2026

Song Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/18/2026

Common Grackle

124/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

Wood Duck

14/18/2026

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

European Starling

104/18/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/18/2026

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.