Buffalo Speaks Reserve Birding Hike (5/10/26, 2pm)

Date: Sunday, May 10, 2:00-4:30 pm
Price: $25
Trip Leaders: Jeff Bahls, Leslie Andrich and Milwaukee Audubon Society representative
Location: Meet at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Limit: 15

Buffalo Speaks Reserve includes the state-cataloged Kolterman American Indian Effigy Mound and Petroform Site, is located northeast of Horicon Marsh along Highway Z. Its habitat restoration buffer includes part of Wisconsin’s Niagara Escarpment and holds a variety of bird habitats.

The site is privately owned by Milwaukee Audubon Society as part of an important migratory corridor for many passerine bird species and other bird and mammal migrants. The adjacent Niagara Formation stone cliffs create thermals and updrafts providing lift for soaring raptors, including local eagles. The reserve’s patterned habitats also support a variety of breeding bird species. Acoustic bird and frog monitoring began in June 2019.

The Niagara Escarpment provides a guiding landform for long-distance and high-flying migrants following the extended Rock River lowland between Green Bay and Rock Island, Illinois on the Mississippi River. Seeps and springs issuing from the base of the escarpment provide water and bathing sites for birds

Trip participants will meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Parking lot. Due to limited parking at the site, carpooling is required. This property is typically closed to the public; however, we have permission for this exclusive trip. Once at the site, this will be an all-walking tour of up to 2 miles. Walking conditions will be over rough terrain with NO trail systems. There will be some potential trip hazards from rocks and stumps. Please take your activity level into consideration when signing up.

Proceeds will go to the Milwaukee Audubon Society for future restoration and habitat work on the property.