Wetland birding habitat

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49 is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 242 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

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/19/2026Horicon NWR (general) (please use more precise locations)3 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

7/17/2026Horicon Marsh SWA--Education and Visitor Center1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

7/17/2026Home: W2640 Middle Road1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/15/2026Lakeside Park, Fond du Lac2 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/14/2026Lakeside Park--Frazier Point Lookout

Merlin

Falco columbarius

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

7/6/2026Old Marsh Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

37/19/2026

American White Pelican

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

247/15/2026

Trumpeter Swan

27/15/2026

Wood Duck

407/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

37/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

37/15/2026

Gadwall

67/15/2026

Mallard

507/15/2026

Ruddy Duck

307/15/2026

Common Gallinule

77/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

37/15/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

67/15/2026

Black Tern

127/15/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

37/15/2026

Great Egret

357/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

47/15/2026

Northern House Wren

17/15/2026

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 - Highway 49 for birding?
The best months to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49 for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49?
Notable species at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49 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 - Highway 49?
Birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49?
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Highway 49 offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.