Wetland birding habitat

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Old Marsh Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Old Marsh Road is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 235 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

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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/17/2026County Road AS Public Pond, Oakfield, Wisconsin, US (43.669, -88.625)6 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

14/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

54/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/11/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/11/2026

Mallard

14/11/2026

Bufflehead

14/11/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

American Coot

14/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/11/2026

Forster's Tern

14/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/11/2026

American White Pelican

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Tree Swallow

14/11/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/11/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

44/11/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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