Refuge auto tour off Hwy 49 is open to vehicles.
Visitor Center: Temporarily closed.
America the Beautiful passes will not be available until Jan 1 2022.
Discovery Trail open for hiking and porta potty available.
Main Dike Rd: now open to vehicles as well as hiking and bicycling. Please note that starting October 14th there will be construction that will impede hikers and bicyclists from going entirely across the western portion of Dike Rd.
Old Marsh Rd: currently closed for hiking and bicycling.
Refuge open for fishing at bank fishing locations (Main Dike Road, Ledge Road, and Peachy Road).
See maps for more information.
Please remember to practice social distancing and avoid trails and parking areas that may be experiencing higher visitor use. Stay safe and enjoy!
For more information email horicon@fws.gov or call 920-387-2658.
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Public Programs and Events
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE OFFERING LIMITED EVENTS AND PROGRAMS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
CANCELLED: 5K RUN/WALK FOR WILDLIFE - OCTOBER 9TH, 2021.
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Fall 2021 Migration Report
11/17/2021
This is week ten of waterbird surveys at the refuge for the fall migration. Last weekend SE Wisconsin had a brief winter warning that brought colder temperatures and about ½” of snow. Most of the marsh froze over for 3 days before thawing with open water today. This front pushed many birds south last weekend.
Canada goose numbers were lower this week - around 26,000. Despite the cold and temporary ice, the geese continue to make several flights out of the marsh each day to feed. Geese and swans were the most numerous on the survey.
Dabbling duck numbers dropped significantly on this week’s survey –around 18,000. Top species (listed in order of abundance) seen in the thousands were mallards and green-winged teal. Northern shovelers, Northern pintails, gadwall, American wigeon, and black ducks were counted in the hundreds.
Diving duck numbers dropped significantly this week – around 280. Buffleheads and ruddy ducks were around 100. Hooded mergansers, redheads, ring-necked ducks, and canvasbacks were counted with less than 100 of each species.
Other sightings to note
•Nearly 1,500 tundra swans were seen. Large flocks were seen along Hwy 49. Open your window and listen for the whistling sound they make.
•More than 10,000 sandhill cranes are in the area right now. You can watch their daily flights in and out of the marsh. Flocks of 500+ can be seen feeding in fields close to the marsh during the day. Sunrise and one hour before sunset are the best times to see large flocks’ transition between the roosting and feeding grounds.
Check along Hwy 49 for a great variety of waterfowl – including trumpeter and tundra swans. For quieter viewing, drive Ledge Road or Main Dike Rd. These areas offer close-up views of waterfowl in full plumage.
**No survey will be completed next week – Nov 21-27.
Please note gun deer season opens state-wide on November 20th through 28th and refuge auto tour will be closed to vehicles.
Happy Birding!
Waterbird Survey Blog
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