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

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/22/2026Lake Maria Road Pond2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/22/2026Wonser and 151 fluddle2 observed

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/22/2026Fond du Lac River--Tompkins St.3 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

125/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

15/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/31/2026

Mallard

55/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

45/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

65/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Marsh Wren

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/31/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/31/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

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.

  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.