2010 SPRING SUMMER.qxd - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
2010 SPRING SUMMER.qxd - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
2010 SPRING SUMMER.qxd - Wisconsin Department of Tourism
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MAY<strong>2010</strong><br />
THIS<br />
FESTIVAL<br />
IS FOR<br />
THE BIRDS<br />
<strong>Wisconsin</strong>’s great<br />
Horicon Marsh is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the state’s true natural<br />
wonders. Its 32,000 acres <strong>of</strong><br />
prime avian habitat are managed<br />
in a unique partnership<br />
between the <strong>Wisconsin</strong><br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> Natural<br />
Resources and the US Fish and<br />
Wildlife Service. Over the years,<br />
a total <strong>of</strong> 268 species <strong>of</strong> birds<br />
have been sighted on the marsh.<br />
It is a magnet for birders, drawing<br />
enthusiasts from throughout<br />
the Midwest.<br />
The Horicon Marsh Bird<br />
Festival, May 7-10, <strong>2010</strong>, is a<br />
stellar opportunity to visit the<br />
BOB QUEEN<br />
marsh at the peak <strong>of</strong> the spring<br />
bird migration. Hosted by the<br />
communities surrounding the<br />
marsh – Horicon, Mayville and<br />
Waupun – the annual festival<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers guided hikes, bus and<br />
pontoon boat tours <strong>of</strong> the marsh<br />
that visit migratory hot-spots or<br />
highlight bird identification within<br />
varying habitats. Twilight tours<br />
focus on the night sounds <strong>of</strong> the<br />
marsh. Dawn tours experience<br />
the marsh at first light.<br />
Tours are led by a distinguished<br />
group <strong>of</strong> naturalists,<br />
biologists, botanists and avian<br />
photographers, as well as many<br />
current and former employees <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Wisconsin</strong> DNR and the U.S.<br />
Fish & Wildlife Service. Their<br />
passion for the marsh and<br />
wildlife stewardship is infectious.<br />
Their knowledge <strong>of</strong> the marsh<br />
ecosystem is unparalleled.<br />
There are also bird banding<br />
demonstrations, sightseeing<br />
tours, junior birder activities,<br />
adventure hikes, an art show that<br />
includes many entries in the<br />
<strong>Wisconsin</strong> Duck Stamp annual<br />
competition, collectible festival<br />
pins, and even a steak fry Friday<br />
evening in downtown Horicon.<br />
Many festival events begin at<br />
the new Horicon Marsh<br />
International Education Center<br />
located <strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> Hwy 28 between<br />
Mayville and Horicon. The $4.8<br />
million center features an auditorium,<br />
two classrooms, traveling<br />
exhibit area, gift shop and a<br />
tremendous view <strong>of</strong> the marsh.<br />
A floating boardwalk <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
access to the disabled.<br />
Volunteers will be on hand with<br />
maps and festival booklets, and<br />
will direct visitors to the many<br />
festival events. All pontoon boat<br />
tours <strong>of</strong> the marsh leave from<br />
Blue Heron Landing located at<br />
the Hwy 33 bridge in downtown<br />
Horicon.<br />
A final word-to-the-wise:<br />
their bus and boat tours fill-up<br />
fast. Be sure to register early at<br />
www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com.<br />
And bring your binoculars!<br />
8 travelwisconsin.com