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

Loading map...

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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

7/7/20266th St - Main/Marr1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Unnamed Road, Horicon, Wisconsin, US (43.474, -88.608)

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/6/2026Old Marsh Road1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/2/2026State 4014 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/2/2026Pond off U.S. 151 & 41, Fond du Lac1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/1/2026Horicon NWR--Bud Cook Trails1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/11/2026

Mallard

7/11/2026

Ruddy Duck

47/11/2026

Black Tern

57/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

77/11/2026

Green Heron

17/11/2026

Great Egret

27/11/2026

Barn Swallow

7/11/2026

Gray Catbird

17/11/2026

American Robin

17/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

7/11/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

17/11/2026

Gadwall

107/11/2026

American Coot

27/11/2026

American White Pelican

307/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/11/2026

Tree Swallow

107/11/2026

Purple Martin

57/11/2026

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.