Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/9/26, 7am)
2026-05-09 07:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Engage in a birding adventure to glimpse one of the over 300 species of birds that visit Horicon Marsh annually. This is a guided two-hour pontoon ride into the Horicon Marsh.
Register and pay at https://www.horiconmarsh.com/ or by calling (920) 643-7072.
Price: $38/adult, $20/child (Ages 5-15)
Trip Leaders: Becca Sher and Dani Baumann
Available Spaces: 32

Birding Ziegler Park, Mayville (5/9/26, 7am)
2026-05-09 07:00 - 09:00 | Ziegler Park, 800 Kekoskee Street, Mayville, WI, 53050, United States
Since “discovering” this 70-acre gem, it has been a superstar throughout the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival (154 species e-Birded here). Ziegler Park has 72.3 acres of parkland; most of which is mature wooded forest along the east branch of the Rock River with a 1.5-mile nature trail. This Mayville City Park is a great spot for many birds but particularly warblers. This can be a warbler hotspot with over 15 species being seen on a good day (28 species e-Birded). Join us to search for the colorful woodland warblers!
Trip leaders: Brad Webb and Sarah Warner
Registration with payment required.

Bird Hike at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center (5/9/26, 7am)
2026-05-09 07:00 - 09:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Kid & Family Event. Join leaders for a hike that will focus on bird species along the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center trail system; a boardwalk reaching out to Indermuehle Island through the marsh and covering a variety of habitats. Walking on uneven trails and in damp foliage is a possibility. Estimated walking of 1.5 miles. Meet at the main entrance of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center on Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon.
Free. No registration required.
Trip leader: Caleb Jenks

Birding by Bike (5/9/26, 8am)
2026-05-09 08:00 - 12:00 | Horicon NWR Auto Tour Main Parking Lot, W10145 WI-49, Waupun, WI, 53963, United States
Trip leader: Matt Herzmann
$20 ticket, limit 15 tickets sold.
Bigby (Big, green, bird year). Green birding is birding done without the use of fossil fuels and/or the internal combustion engine. Green birders are self-propelled birders, e.g., walking, riding a bicycle, paddling a canoe or kayak, or using skis or snowshoes.
Join Former Dodge County Volunteer Coordinator for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II and avid Bigby birder Matt Herzmann for a bike ride of about 5-8 leisurely miles on the Wild Goose Trail.
Meet at the main parking lot of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. If using Google Maps, use the “Redhead Hiking Trail Trailhead” location. GPS coordinates of 43.623050022890894, -88.64526567891062.
Registration with payment required.

Dabblers and Divers - Intro to Duck ID (5/9/26, 9am)
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | WI
Price: Free
Location: Egret Trail Boardwalk – Refuge Auto Tour
Available spaces: No limit
Join Horicon Marsh Learn to Hunt Waterfowl Coordinator Mark Kakatsch, and WI DNR Game Bird Specialist Taylor Finger, for an overview of the history of wetland conservation and waterfowl populations in Wisconsin and the basics of duck identification followed by a guided hike to practice ID skills. Approximately 1 mile, easy walking.
Meet at the Egret Trail boardwalk parking lot at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge auto tour off Highway 49.
This program is free and no pre-registration is required, however, if you plan to attend as part of a larger group please call ahead so that we may plan for additional guides – 920-937-0032.

International Crane Foundation Activity Station
2026-05-09 09:00 - 15:30 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Please join the International Crane Foundation for an opportunity to learn hands-on how scientists monitor cranes. Spin an educational wheel to test your crane knowledge and make an origami crane!
Free. No registration required.
Limit: No registration

Birding Ziegler Park, Mayville (5/9/26, 9:30am)
2026-05-09 09:30 - 11:30 | Ziegler Park, 800 Kekoskee Street, Mayville, WI, 53050, United States

Bird Hike at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center (5/9/26, 9:30am)
2026-05-09 09:30 - 11:30 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Kid & Family Event. Join leaders for a hike that will focus on bird species along the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center trail system including the boardwalk reaching out to Indermuehle Island through the marsh and covering a variety of habitats. Walking on uneven trails and in damp foliage is a possibility. Estimated walking of 1.5 miles. Meet at the main entrance of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center on Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon.
Free. No registration required.
Trip leader: Caleb Jenks

Bird Lab
2026-05-09 09:30 - 15:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Bring your family out for the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival but, before the kids hit the trails in search of birds, bring them into the Visitor Center to make their own binoculars! We will have a make-and-take station all weekend where kids can decorate their own binoculars with stickers, markers and more!
Join us for a bird banding activity with a twist where you get to be the bird! After getting trapped in our “mist net,” we will take your measurements just like if you were a real bird. You will even get a band to take home. Learn the important role bird banding plays in conservation with this hands-on activity.
From 9:30am-3pm try out your bird skills! Can you run faster than a Peregrine Falcon can fly? Can you flap your arms faster than a hummingbird can flap their wings? Test your athletic ability at the Bird Olympics! You will be competing against the best birds in their sport. Have fun trying to beat their adaptations and learn some cool facts along the way. Visit the classrooms to try your hand, or should we say beak, at eating like a bird. Find out why a bird’s beak is critical to their survival.
For more information, contact Liz Herzmann at 920-210-9054 or elizabeth.herzmann@wisconsin.gov.
Free. No registration required.

Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/9/26, 10am)
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States

Beginning Birding
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:15 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Your hike leader will be Liz Herzmann. This program will introduce binocular and field guide use and bird identification. A short bird hike will accompany the program. The hike may be on uneven trails, but they are rated easy. This is for ALL ages that want to learn more about birding. Meet in the auditorium of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, off Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon.
Free. No registration required.
Trip Leader: Liz Herzmann

Chili Lunch
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Grab a bite to eat at the Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center’s Chili Lunch. Enjoy a relaxing meal while sitting inside the lower lobby of the visitor center or enjoy the day at any of the picnic tables surrounding the visitor center. Cash only.
Chili Lunch proceeds benefit the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education & Visitor Center.

NEW! Birding by Ear and Where to Find Them
2026-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Learn how tuning in to bird calls, songs, chips and chirps can open a whole new world of birding from your backyard to the unexplored. Join DNR educator, Liz Herzmann to learn the ins and outs of birding by ear and practice identifying birds by their song. We’ll also give some pro-tips on where in Southern Wisconsin some of these birds can be found so you can go and listen for them yourselves! All skill levels are welcome. Meet in the auditorium of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
Free, no registration required.

Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/9/26, 3pm)
2026-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Engage in a birding adventure to glimpse one of the over 300 species of birds that visit Horicon Marsh annually. This is a guided two-hour pontoon ride into the Horicon Marsh.
Register and pay at https://www.horiconmarsh.com/ or by calling (920) 643-7072.
Price: $38/adult, $20/child (Ages 5-15)
Trip Leader: Rick Vant Hoff
Available Spaces: 32

Photographing Birds in Their Environment
2026-05-09 15:00 - 18:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
3:00pm-4:30pm: Presentation, Q & A and breaking into small groups.
4:30pm-6pm: Groups photographing in the Marsh.
Please join PhotoMidwest instructors Cynthia Carlson and Ralph Russo for an introductory bird photography class at the Horicon Marsh Visitor Center beginning at 3:00pm on Saturday, May 9. Advance registration is strongly encouraged because the class is limited to 20 photographers. Cost is $25.
This introductory bird photography workshop is designed for enthusiasts who want to move beyond basic snapshots and master the art of capturing avian life. The session begins with a classroom presentation focused on essential camera settings, lighting situations, image composition, basic post processing and the critical role of bird behavior in achieving successful shots. Participants then transition to a guided field experience to practice these techniques in Horicon’s natural environment. The workshop emphasizes a practical approach with a reduced focus on technical jargon, making it ideal for those using functional cameras with a focal length of at least 200mm who are eager to improve their timing, lighting, and ethical field practices.
Volunteers who are familiar with the major camera brands will be on hand to help you with your settings. If you have questions about the adequacy of your camera equipment for this class, please email your concerns to Camera@PhotoMidwest.org before you register for this class.
Registration with payment required.

Wild Birds of Prey
2026-05-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Marsh Haven Nature Center, W10145 Wisconsin 49, Waupun, WI, 53963, United States
This program will introduce some of Wisconsin’s raptors through mounted specimens, artifacts, resources, and LIVE birds. Appreciate the many benefits raptors provide to humans and nature, learn action items to help our raptors through habitat conservation and awareness, and celebrate the majesty of these amazing birds of prey. It is a privilege to work with these incredible avian ambassadors as partners in education. These are educational birds who cannot be returned to the wild due to a variety of permanent injuries. Marsh Haven Nature Center holds permits from both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to use these birds for educational purposes.
Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center, Indoor Respect Our Earth Theater, W10145 WI-49, Waupun WI 53963
$5 for adults | $3 for students 6-14 | free for students 5 and under
No registration needed or pre-payment necessary.

Hot Spot Birding: Saturday
2026-05-09 16:00 - 19:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Trip Leaders: Jeff Bahls and Kelli Bahls
Your trip leaders will be using the knowledge obtained from other festival field trips in finding various birding locations (Hot Spots) in hopes of adding as many species as possible in the time allotted. We may even strike out on our own to a new birding spot not included in this year’s festival! Walking on uneven trails is possible. Meet at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center on Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Please use the entrance on the south side of the building. Bus departs at 4:00pm SHARP.
Registration with payment required.

Birds and Beers
2026-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Hoya Hop House Brewing, 514 E Main St, Waupun, WI, 53963, United States
Price: Free event but you pay for your own food and drink
Join your fellow festival goers and birding buddies at Hoya Hop House to compare sightings and celebrate life birds.
Hoya Hop House Brewing is a new craft brewery on Main Street in Waupun. It features a great atmosphere with outdoor and indoor seating, great food options, and creative craft brews. Visit https://www.hoyahophousebrewing.com/ for more details.

Screeches, Squawks and, Squeals of the Marsh
2026-05-09 20:00 - 21:00 | Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, N7725 Highway 28, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Price: Free, no registration required
Trip Leader: Liz Herzmann
No registration required
During the day, Horicon Marsh is a relaxing and tranquil place to enjoy nature. But the dark mysteries of the marsh at night can be “chilling” to those not accustomed to the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Hike leader Liz Herzmann will dispel the myths of the night as she helps you identify the many nocturnal sounds that come from within the cattails. This program will be conducted outside with easy walking but possible uneven terrain so dress warm and bring a low powered flashlight. Meet at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center on Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Please use the lower entrance on the south side of the building.

Birding Old Marsh Road - Bus Tour
2026-05-10 06:00 - 12:00 | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI, 53050, United States
Trip Leaders: Jeff Bahls, and USFWS staff Frank Gercz
Join your trip leaders on a guided birding bus tour across 3+ miles of the interior of the refuge via Old Marsh Road. We will start at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge headquarters and begin with some grassland, marsh, and forested sections along the way to our destination.
This is a unique opportunity to travel an area of the marsh that is closed to public access during this time of the year. Viewing highlights include many species of water birds, spring warblers etc. Wear good walking shoes. Bus departs at 6:00am SHARP. Bring your own snacks.
Registration with payment required. A portion of each registration for this tour will be donated to the Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.

Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/10/26, 7am)
2026-05-10 07:00 - 09:00 | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States

Ledge Park Birding Tour
2026-05-10 07:00 - 09:00 | Dodge County Ledge Park, N7403 Park Road, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States
Trip leader: Matt Herzmann
Ledge Park is part of the Dodge County Parks system, and its 82 acres lies along the Niagara Escarpment, a natural rock ledge that begins at Niagara Falls and moves westward. It divides the park into upper and lower areas and provides a breathtaking overlook of the famous Horicon Marsh and surrounding countryside. The area is heavily wooded, and we will bird along park roads and trails looking for flycatchers, tanagers, thrushes and warblers. Ledge Park has 160+ birds on its e-Bird checklist. When entering the park, turn right into the upper level of the park and go to the first set of parking stalls to meet for the trip.
Registration with payment required.

Birding the Marsh Haven Nature Center Trails
2026-05-10 08:30 - 10:00 | Marsh Haven Nature Center, W10145 Wisconsin 49, Waupun, WI, 53963, United States
Sunday, May 10, 8:30-10am
Price: $15
Trip Leader: Rick Vant Hoff
Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center, Indoor Respect Our Earth Theater, W10145 WI-49, Waupun WI 53963
Limit: 20
The hike at Marsh Haven Nature Center consists of three different trails: a wetland trail, a prairie trail, and a woodland trail, with no trail longer than ½ mile. Common birds in the area are Eastern Bluebirds, swallows, a variety of sparrows, hawks, Sandhill Cranes and more. The spring season holds potential for spotting a variety of warblers migrating through the area. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center.
Registration with payment required.

Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/10/26, 10am)
2026-05-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States

NEW! Absolutely Bat-ty
2026-05-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Marsh Haven Nature Center, W10145 Wisconsin 49, Waupun, WI, 53963, United States
Price: $5 for adults, $3 for students 6-14, free for ages 5 and under
Limit: No registration required
It’s another thing with wings program! Learn about the bats that call Wisconsin home. You’ll learn about their characteristics, natural history, the challenges they face, and how we can help them. The program is indoors and will have a PowerPoint presentation along with artifacts and LIVE bat ambassadors. Admission to the Marsh Haven Museum is included in the cost of the program.

Buffalo Speaks Reserve Birding Hike (5/10/26, 2pm)
2026-05-10 14:00 - 16:30 | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Road, Mayville, WI, 53050, United States
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.

Birding Adventure Boat Tour (5/10/26, 3pm)
2026-05-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Blue Heron Landing, 305 Mill Street, Horicon, WI, 53032, United States

Birding Ziegler Park, Mayville (5/11/26, 8am)
2026-05-11 08:00 - 10:00 | Ziegler Park, 800 Kekoskee Street, Mayville, WI, 53050, United States
Monday, May 11, 8:00-10:00am
Price: $15
Trip Leaders: Brad Webb and Michael Bingham
Location: Ziegler Park, Mayville, 800 Kekoskee Street, Mayville, WI (meet in parking lot by ball diamonds)
Limit: 15
Since “discovering” this 70-acre gem, it has been a superstar throughout the Horicon Marsh Bird Festival (154 species e-Birded here). Ziegler Park has 72.3 acres of parkland; most of which is mature wooded forest along the east branch of the Rock River with a 1.5-mile nature trail. This Mayville City Park is a great spot for many birds but particularly warblers. This can be a warbler hotspot with over 15 species being seen on a good day (28 species e-Birded). Join us to search for the colorful woodland warblers!
Registration with payment required.

Field Trip
2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | WI

Birding Old Marsh Road, West side- evening
2026-06-01 18:00 - 20:00 | WI
Birding Old Marsh Road: Monday, June 1, 6-8pm
Join your trip leaders on a guided walking tour across the interior of the refuge via Old
Marsh Road. Meet at the Boardwalk parking lot off the auto tour. This typically closed
area opens June 1 so we’re kicking off opening day with a great opportunity to get out
and bird with members of the Horicon Marsh Bird Club! Viewing highlights include
many species of water birds such as black-necked stilts, American bittern, common
gallinule and more! You will be walking gravel dike tops, up to 3 miles. Wear good
walking shoes and bring water.
Meet at the Boardwalk parking lot. Google Map “Egret Hiking Trail and Boardwalk
Trailhead” https://maps.app.goo.gl/P4wHx79Y6oP4ZhZT7
GPS coordinates: 43.617499, -88.672714
For additional information please contact Liz Herzmann at 920-210-9054
or elizabeth.herzmann@wisconsin.gov.
