Bird enthusiasts can experience the sights, sounds and
natural beauty of birds in peak spring migration as the Horicon Marsh Bird
Club hosts the 21st annual Bird Festival at Horicon Marsh Education and
Visitor Center May 10-14.
From the backyard birder to the world traveler, four days of adventure await
by foot, boat, bus and bicycle at Horicon Marsh, one of the largest
freshwater marshes in the United States. The Horicon Marsh Bird Festival is
the oldest bird festival in Wisconsin.
Highlights of this year’s Bird Festival include a keynote speech from birder
and humorist Al Batt; ‘Mom and Me, Birding Together’, a beginner’s guide to
birding (and a great way to spend some time with mom on Mother’s Day) and
bird banding demonstrations by Dr. Sheldon Cooper from UW-Oshkosh.
[This Black-throated Green Warbler was caught in a mist net during a
previous Horicon Marsh Bird Festival bird banding demonstration.
Measurements were taken and a small band was placed on the leg in hopes that
it will be caught again in future years to learn more about this species’
biology – Photo credit: DNR] This Black-throated Green Warbler was caught in
a mist net during a previous Horicon Marsh Bird Festival bird banding
demonstration. Measurements were taken and a small band was placed on the
leg in hopes that it will be caught again in future years to learn more
about this species’ biology. Photo credit: DNR
The Birding by Bicycle guided tour invites birders to peddle their way
through the area. A Birdy Scavenger Hunt offers a unique way to explore the
Marshes scenic views, sounds and enjoyment.
At over 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh provides habitat for endangered species
and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating songbirds and
waterfowl. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance and as
Globally and State Important Bird Areas. More than 300 bird species are on
the Horicon Marsh checklist.
The festival begins with an Early Bird Bus Tour. Popular favorites include
the Hot Spot Birding Bus Tour, Beginners Bird Hike, Birding Adventure Boat
Tour, and 20+ other tours and activities planned by the Horicon Marsh Bird
Club.
For the early morning birder, First Light Birding offers a glimpse of the
birds at sunrise. At sunset, a Night Sounds Bus Tour is offered. Throughout
the festival, the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Marsh
Haven Nature Center and Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will be
buzzing with interactive displays, programs, and opportunities for viewing
birds at their observation areas.
To plan your birding adventure, visit
www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com<http://www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com/> (exit
DNR) and click on the Bird Festival link for a complete list of events,
descriptions and registration information. For additional registration
information, contact Liz Herzmann, DNR wildlife conservation educator, at
920-387-7893.
Many tours require advanced registration and fees and spaces are filling up
fast. Partners for this event include the Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marsh Haven Nature Center,
Horicon Marsh Boat Tours, Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, and
Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor
Center<https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/wildlifeareas/horicon/education.html>
is located between Horicon, Wis. and Mayville, Wis. on Hwy. 28. For a
detailed list of all Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center special
events, please visit the Friends of Horicon Marsh website at
www.horiconmarsh.org<http://www.horiconmarsh.org/> (exit DNR). For more
information regarding Horicon Marsh education programs, contact Liz
Herzmann, DNR educator, at 920-387-7893.