The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, and Blue Jay 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

Bald EagleRed-tailed HawkBlue JayAmerican CrowBlack-capped ChickadeeCanada GooseSandhill CraneRing-billed GullRed-bellied WoodpeckerEuropean StarlingAmerican RobinHouse Sparrow

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

3/5/2026Supple Marsh1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Horicon Marsh SWA--Education and Visitor Center1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

3/2/2026Lime Rd, Eden1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/1/2026Campbell Dr (Timberline to Hilltop)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/1/2026Lakeside Park--Frazier Point Lookout2 observed

Redpoll

Acanthis flammea

3/1/2026Lakeside Park--Lighthouse, Harbor, DeNevue Creek18 observed

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

Nearby Attractions

  • Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area
  • Horicon Marsh Boat Tours
  • International Education Center

More in Wisconsin

Horicon Marsh

Largest US cattail marsh with massive fall goose concentrations and breeding marsh birds.

6th Avenue Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 227 recorded species.

Adam Birding Conservancy

Grassland birding hotspot in Wisconsin with 217 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails for birding?▼
The best months to visit Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?▼
Notable species at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails include Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Ring-billed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, European Starling, American Robin, House Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?▼
Birding at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?▼
There is no entrance fee at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails?▼
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.