2010 SPRING SUMMER.qxd - Wisconsin Department of Tourism

MAY2010
THIS
FESTIVAL
IS FOR
THE BIRDS
Wisconsin’s great
Horicon Marsh is one
of the state’s true natural
wonders. Its 32,000 acres of
prime avian habitat are managed
in a unique partnership
between the Wisconsin
Department of Natural
Resources and the US Fish and
Wildlife Service. Over the years,
a total of 268 species of birds
have been sighted on the marsh.
It is a magnet for birders, drawing
enthusiasts from throughout
the Midwest.
The Horicon Marsh Bird
Festival, May 7-10, 2010, is a
stellar opportunity to visit the
BOB QUEEN
marsh at the peak of the spring
bird migration. Hosted by the
communities surrounding the
marsh – Horicon, Mayville and
Waupun – the annual festival
offers guided hikes, bus and
pontoon boat tours of the marsh
that visit migratory hot-spots or
highlight bird identification within
varying habitats. Twilight tours
focus on the night sounds of the
marsh. Dawn tours experience
the marsh at first light.
Tours are led by a distinguished
group of naturalists,
biologists, botanists and avian
photographers, as well as many
current and former employees of
the Wisconsin DNR and the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service. Their
passion for the marsh and
wildlife stewardship is infectious.
Their knowledge of the marsh
ecosystem is unparalleled.
There are also bird banding
demonstrations, sightseeing
tours, junior birder activities,
adventure hikes, an art show that
includes many entries in the
Wisconsin Duck Stamp annual
competition, collectible festival
pins, and even a steak fry Friday
evening in downtown Horicon.
Many festival events begin at
the new Horicon Marsh
International Education Center
located off of Hwy 28 between
Mayville and Horicon. The $4.8
million center features an auditorium,
two classrooms, traveling
exhibit area, gift shop and a
tremendous view of the marsh.
A floating boardwalk offers
access to the disabled.
Volunteers will be on hand with
maps and festival booklets, and
will direct visitors to the many
festival events. All pontoon boat
tours of the marsh leave from
Blue Heron Landing located at
the Hwy 33 bridge in downtown
Horicon.
A final word-to-the-wise:
their bus and boat tours fill-up
fast. Be sure to register early at
www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com.
And bring your binoculars!
8 travelwisconsin.com