the sun is setting over a river with rocks

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Blue Jay 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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

4/18/2026Supple Marsh1 observed

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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/17/2026Supple Marsh1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

4/16/2026Hwy 45 wayside15 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/16/2026CTH N - Kinker Rd (VanDyne Rd to Townline Rd)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/18/2026

Mallard

34/18/2026

Redhead

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

144/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/18/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/18/2026

American Coot

14/18/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/18/2026

Great Egret

14/18/2026

American White Pelican

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

Tree Swallow

64/18/2026

Barn Swallow

34/18/2026

European Starling

14/18/2026

American Robin

34/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

134/18/2026

Common Grackle

44/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/18/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails for birding?
The best months to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?
Notable species at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, European Starling, American Robin, House Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?
Birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?
There is no entrance fee at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.