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

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

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

5/23/2026N749 Lake Bernice Drive, Campbellsport, Wisconsin, US (43.567, -88.299)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/22/2026Lake Maria Road Pond2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/22/2026Wonser and 151 fluddle2 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

Trumpeter Swan

35/31/2026

Redhead

85/31/2026

Canada Goose

295/27/2026

Mallard

25/27/2026

Black Tern

25/27/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1205/27/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/27/2026

Tree Swallow

15/27/2026

Northern House Wren

15/27/2026

Marsh Wren

15/27/2026

American Robin

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Swamp Sparrow

25/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/27/2026

Common Grackle

15/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/24/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

15/24/2026

Gadwall

25/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

225/21/2026

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.