The ultimate birder adventure - head to Horicon Marsh May 12-15 for the 20th annual Bird Festival Contact(s): Liz Herzmann, DNR wildlife conservation educator, 920-387-7893 HORICON, Wis. - Bird enthusiasts can experience the sights, sounds and natural beauty of birds in peak spring migration as the Horicon Marsh Bird Club hosts the 20th annual Bird Festival at Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center May 12-15. From the backyard birder to the world traveler, four days of adventure awaits by foot, boat, bus and bicycle at Horicon Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States. The Horicon Marsh Bird Festival is the oldest bird festival in Wisconsin. Throughout the festival, the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Marsh Haven Nature Center and Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center will be buzzing with interactive displays, programs, and opportunities for viewing birds at their observation areas. The festival will begin with a Habitat Birding Bus and Boat Tour. Popular favorites include the Hot Spot Birding Bus Tour & Hike, Beginners Bird Hike, Birding Adventure Boat Tour, and 20+ other tours and activities planned by the Horicon Marsh Bird Club. Highlights of the 2017 festival include: keynote speech from birder and humorist Al Batt; "The Big Sit" - a day-long marathon to identify as many bird species as possible from a fixed location; "Mom and Me, Birding Together" - a beginner's guide to birding (and a great way to spend quality time with mom on Mother's Day); "First Light Birding" - catch a glimpse of birds at sunrise; at sunset, a Night Sounds Bus Tour is offered; "Birding by Bicycle" - a guided tour invites birders to peddle their way through the area; and "Birdy Scavenger Hunt" - a unique way to explore the scenic views, sounds and enjoyment at Horicon. At over 33,000 acres, Horicon Marsh provides habitat for endangered species and is a critical rest stop for thousands of migrating songbirds and waterfowl. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Importance and as Global and State Important Bird Areas. More than 300 bird species are on the Horicon Marsh checklist. Many tours require advanced registration and fees and spaces are filling up fast. Partners for this event include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marsh Haven Nature Center, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours, Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, and Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. To plan your birding adventure, visit www.horiconmarshbirdclub.com [EXIT DNR] and click on the Bird Festival link for a complete list of events, descriptions and registration information. For additional registration information, contact Liz Herzmann, DNR wildlife conservation educator, at 920-387-7893. While at Horicon Marsh for the Bird Festival, be sure to check out the Explorium and learn more about the history of the marsh while enjoying a number of interactive exhibits. Have you ever driven an airboat? Head to the Horicon Marsh Explorium and explore the virtual marsh! The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center is located between Horicon, Wis. and Mayville, Wis. on Hwy. 28. For a detailed list of all Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center special events, please visit the Friends of Horicon Marsh website at www.horiconmarsh.org (exit DNR). For more information regarding Horicon Marsh education programs, contact Liz Herzmann, DNR educator, at 920-387-7893.
