The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Horicon National Wildlife Refuge - Old Marsh Road

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Great Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Auto Tour Route

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

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

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

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.