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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

4/18/2026Supple Marsh1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/18/2026N9017 Van Dyne Road

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

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

4/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

34/18/2026

Gadwall

34/18/2026

Redhead

44/18/2026

Lesser Scaup

104/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

64/18/2026

American Coot

304/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

504/18/2026

American White Pelican

104/18/2026

Tree Swallow

14/18/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/18/2026

Common Grackle

24/18/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/16/2026

Mallard

54/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/16/2026

Bufflehead

24/16/2026

Common Merganser

14/16/2026

Forster's Tern

34/16/2026

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.