This article is incomplete. This article is missing one or more sections. You can help the BirdForum Opus by expanding it. |
Overview
Horicon Marsh is one of the best kept secrets in Wisconsin, if not the USA, for birding. It is the largest fresh water cattail marsh in the US, covering over 32,000 acres. The northern 2/3 of the marsh is a National Wildlife Refuge and the southern 1/3 is a State Wildlife Area. Boats are permitted in the State Wildlife Area only.
Birds
Notable Species
Lake Sinissippi has large flock of American White Pelican Spring through Fall. Large flocks of Sandhill Crane. Over 260 species have been seen at the Marsh. One million Canada Geese migrate through the marsh every year, as well as many other waterbirds. In Spring and Summer, breeding groups of Whooping Cranes are present. Marsh birds such as rails and Marsh Wrens breed here in large numbers. Horicon is the only place in the Midwest where King Rails and Black-necked Stilts breed. On the north end of the marsh, there is a large prairie with species such as Bobolink, Sedge Wren and Henslow's Sparrow.
Rarities
Rare waterbirds such as Red-necked Phalarope, Ruff, White-faced Ibis, and Neotropic Cormorant turn up here frequently. In 2019, the first North American breeding record of Glossy Ibis away from the Atlantic Ocean was recorded here.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
306 bird species have been recorded on the marsh. The list can be seen here: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/documents/horicon/checklist.pdf
Other Wildlife
American Minks and Common Muskrats are frequently sighted here, as are many types of frogs and turtles. The marsh and surrounding areas are reliable for Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel. The Eastern Chipmunks at this location are notoriously tame.
Site Information
History and Use
"to do"
Areas of Interest
"to do"
Access and Facilities
- Birding tours via pontoon boat are available out of the town of Horicon. You can also Kayak and canoe launch at various locations.
- Visitor Center hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:00pm
- Best place to stay and eat is the Audubon Inn in Mayville.
Contact Details
W4279 Headquarters Rd
Mayville, WI 53050
Tel: 920-387-2658
Email: [email protected]
External Links
Content and images originally posted by bobogado
Reviews
bobogado's review 1/14/07: Spotted my first Tundra Swan on north end of marsh
Pros
- Only 2-3 hours from Chicago. An hour and a half from Milwaukee.