Horicon Marsh, located in southeastern Wisconsin, is a birdwatcher’s paradise and one of the largest freshwater marshes in the U.S. It’s a critical stopover site for migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway and hosts over 300 bird species throughout the year.
Here’s a look at the kinds of birds you might find there, depending on the season:
🦆 Waterfowl (Spring & Fall Migration Highlights)
Horicon is perhaps best known for its massive flocks of geese and ducks, especially in spring and autumn.
- Canada Geese – Tens of thousands stop during migration. It’s a spectacle in fall!
- Mallards, Northern Pintails, Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal
- Trumpeter Swans – A conservation success story; now breeding at the marsh.
- Tundra Swans – Seen during migration.
- American Black Duck & Redhead Ducks
🐦 Songbirds & Marsh Birds (Spring–Summer)
As the marsh comes alive in spring, so do the calls and colors of smaller birds.
- Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat
- Red-winged Blackbird – The marsh is full of their iconic “conk-la-ree” calls.
- Marsh Wren
- Swamp Sparrow
- Sedge Wren
🕊️ Wading & Shorebirds
Especially visible during migration and in shallow areas of the marsh:
- Great Blue Heron
- Green Heron
- Great Egret
- American Bittern – Often heard before seen, with its strange “water pump” call.
- Sandhill Cranes – These elegant, prehistoric-looking birds nest at the marsh.
- Killdeer, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs
🦅 Raptors
Horicon also attracts a number of birds of prey, often seen soaring over the wetlands:
- Bald Eagle – Frequently seen nesting or hunting over the water.
- Northern Harrier – Skims low across the marsh grasses.
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Peregrine Falcon (less common, but occasionally spotted)
- Short-eared Owl – Winter visitor in open grasslands near the marsh.
🐧 Other Notables
- American White Pelican – Giant and graceful, they’re often seen in groups during spring and summer.
- Black Tern – A marsh-nesting tern that hovers and dips for insects.
- Purple Martin – Attracts attention around nest boxes near visitor centers.
- Eastern Kingbird, Tree Swallow
📍 Best Birding Spots in Horicon Marsh
- Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center (southern end)
- Auto Tour Trail – Great for seeing waterfowl and eagles from your car.
- Boardwalk Trails – Offer closer views of marsh birds and songbirds.
- Old Marsh Road (seasonal access) – Fantastic for shorebirds and waders.
🗓️ Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April–May): Migration season—tons of waterfowl, songbirds, and warblers.
- Fall (September–October): Canada Geese and ducks in the tens of thousands.
- Summer: Great for marsh birds, baby birds, and butterflies.
- Winter: Fewer species, but good for eagles and hardy raptors.