The huge ecosystem of Horicon Marsh is comprised of many different habitats for wildlife including wetlands (shallow open water and cattail stands), upland grassy fields, and deciduous woodlands. The edge created between these habitats provides wildlife with a variety of food and shelter areas which helps insure a diversity of wild birds and animals.

Many species of wildlife are year-round residents of Horicon Marsh and others use it seasonally (March-April and September- December). Mammals, including white-tailed deer, fox, squirrel, raccoon, mink, skunk, opossum, muskrat and coyote are active during all seasons of the year.

Mallards, blue- winged teal, coots, ruddy ducks, cormorants, herons, terns, and many other bird species commonly nest here. The Horicon Marsh is the largest nesting area for redhead ducks east of the Mississippi, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 nesting birds. In fact, more than 265 species of birds have been observed at Horicon Marsh during the different seasons.

The greatest abundance of bird life is present during the spring and fall migration. Flocks of mallards, blue and green-winged teal, wigeons, ruddy ducks, shovelers, scaup, gadwells, and pintails are commonly seen. The most numerous visitor, however, is the Canada Goose.

(920) 324-5818

Marsh Haven Nature Center

W10145 Hwy 49 East, Waupun, Wisconsin 53963

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