Wildlife on the Marsh

Wildlife Viewing

The Horicon Marsh has been named a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention of the United Nations. The marsh supports more than 300 species of birds and numerous other wildlife species.

                                          Birdwatching

Year-round, birdwatchers flock to the Horicon Marsh to enjoy some of the best birds in North America.

Horicon Marsh is one of North America’s most important habitats for migrating Canada geese. The spring and fall migrations draw thousands of birdwatchers to the marsh. 

Horicon, WI is a proud Bird City for OVER 10 years now!

                Horicon Marsh Bird Club

Throughout the year, the Horicon Marsh Bird Club hosts hikes and other events, including their annual Horicon Marsh Bird Festival in early May.

             Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge 

The northern two-thirds of the Horicon Marsh are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. There are a number of opportunities for hiking and observing wildlife in the 22,000-acre refuge. There is a refuge visitor center that offers some interesting displays and information about the refuge.

The majority of refuge closes to visitor access for wildlife observation and nature photography via hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing until December 1st which is the nesting/migration seasons. Public use areas such as auto tour and trails, Bud Cook Hiking Area, Main Sike Road, fishing accesses and Hwy 49 Viewing Area are open year-round for approved recreational activities daylight hours only.

          Your Backyard

Want your backyard to be more inducive to the birds? Check out Audobon.org's guide on How to Create A Bird Friendly Yard.