Jeff Bahls, President
N4686 Blackbird Rd
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
(920) 210-4832
email the president
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Bird Festival Events 2009 HABITAT BIRDING bus & boat tour Registration Required ($) 
Friday, May 8, 2009 - 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION AThis is an all day two-part tour by bus and pontoon boat. Trip leaders will be Daryl Tessen, Dennis Gustafson & Larry Michael. With the use of a bus, we will bird some of the better habitat locations in and around Horicon Marsh. Our main objective is to ID as many bird species as possible. Short hikes will provide easy walking and we will “try” to stay on dry ground. After a one-hour break we will board a pontoon boat to bird the interior of Horicon Marsh. Most of our local nesting birds will be present, bolstered by our migrants that use the marsh to refuel and rest. A large and varied list of birds should be seen. Captains Marc Zuelsdorf and Jerry Genzmer will be your guides for this part of the tour. A box lunch & drink are included in the cost of this tour. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 6:00 AM SHARP and Boat departs at 3:00 PM SHARP from Blue Heron Landing “location C”, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. *Mailed in registration with payment required. This event will be held again on Monday. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. STEAK FRY Friday, May 8, 2009 - 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM LOCATION G Sponsored by Horicon Chamber of Commerce, corner of Washington St. & Hwy. 33 in Horicon. SIGHTSEEING TOUR by boat ($) Friday, May 8, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION C A 1 hr. narrated pontoon boat tour of the inner Horicon Marsh, observing the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $10.00, Ages 12-15 $6.25, 4-11 $5.25 Call 920-485-4663 NIGHT SOUNDS BUS TOUR Registration Required ($)
Friday, May 8, 2009 - 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION EJoin Jack Bartholmai, Erin Railsback and Marc Zuelsdorf for this unique dusk into dark tour of the night sounds on Horicon Marsh. The tour begins in the Marsh Haven Nature Center's Theater with a multi-media introduction to the critters that call in the night. There will be a display of live frogs and toads that make the majority of night sounds on the Marsh. With permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we will be on the Auto Tour loop at dusk and stay AFTER DARK. We will stop to hear and see the Woodcock dance. This trip will also focus on other songs and calls of our marsh's night birds and amphibians. The trip includes stops along the Auto Tour Route and Boardwalk. Conditions permitting, we will take a short walk down the Old Marsh Road and hear the marsh come alive with wildlife music. There will be some walking. . . rated easy. Meet in Marsh Haven Nature Center's Gift Shop, at 7p.m. (open all day) located right off Hwy 49 on the northwest corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the Refuge Auto Tour. *Mailed in registration with payment required. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. HORICON NWR EAST TO WEST bus tour / hike Registration Required ($)
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION BTrip Leaders are Pat Ready, Marty Evanson and Jeff Bahls. This field trip was a "big hit" in its first year in 2008, and is designed for the more adventurous birder. While this tour will begin with us boarding a bus and birding the eastern half of Dike Road getting off at selected locations, it will end with a up to 2-mile plus bird walk along the western half of Dike Road. The hike will be along graveled Dike road, level and flat terrain. Dike Road, for those who are unfamiliar with Horicon Marsh is near the dividing line or border between the southern 1/3 of the marsh that is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the northern 2/3, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. With the cooperation of the USFWS, the western end of this Dike Road Tour will take place in an area not previously birded until the '08 Bird Festival. This western hike is a FESTIVAL ONLY EVENT and is closed to all other birders and non-birders. A portion of each registration fee is being donated to the Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. While the eastern half is made up of mostly cattail marsh and open water, the western part is primarily a mixture of trees/shrub & edge habitat. NOTE: Meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. The bus will depart at 6:00 AM SHARP. Bring your own snacks. *Mailed in registration with payment required. The same locations may be covered on Sunday's event. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. HORICON MARSH DNR FIELD OFFICE and FESTIVAL INFORMATION CENTER Saturday, May 9, 2009 - Open 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM LOCATI0N D Check here for up to date festival & marsh information. Maps, Festival Books and other handouts will be available. Located at the end of N. Palmatory St. in Horicon (on top of the hill). FIRST LIGHT BIRDING bus tour Registration Required ($)
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM  LOCATION ATrip leaders are Daryl Tessen, Dennis Gustafson & Larry Michael. This is a field trip designed for birders who want to add as many species as possible to their bird lists. Be prepared to move by bus from location to location in search of migratory hot spots. There will be some walking but it is rated easy. We try our best to finish on time, but in the world of birding, bird activity is the deciding factor. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 6:00 AM SHARP. Bring your own snacks. *Mailed in registration with payment required. This event will be held again on Sunday. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. BIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM LOCATION D Join Bill Volkert and see our migrating songbirds close up and in the hand as they are captured, banded and released for study. This is a public demonstration where visitors will be able to see how and why bird banding is conducted. It also provides one of the best opportunities to observe these amazing migrants up close. Meet at the DNR Field Office, North Palmatory St. in Horicon HORICON MARSH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER & FESTIVAL INFORMATION Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM LOCATION A This year many of the Bird Festival events will begin at the new Horicon Marsh International Education Center. This center is a $4.8 million project made possible largely due to tremendous local support. Construction began in November 2007 and required more than one year to complete. The center features an auditorium, two classrooms, traveling exhibit area, gift shop and a tremendous view of Horicon Marsh. The exhibit hall is yet to be completed, as are a few other components of the project. Volunteers will be on hand to provide information and direct visitors to the many events. Maps, Festival Booklets and other handouts will be available. 2009 Bird Festival pins, hats and shirts will be on sale and the gift shop will be open for those interested in purchasing something to remind them of their experience. We have a few festival pins available from previous years for those who forgot to purchase one at the time or for collectors. The Horicon Marsh International Education Center, is located off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. HORICON MARSH BIRD HIKE Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM .jpg) LOCATION AJoin leader Mike McDowell for a hike that will focus on bird species numbers in a seldom-birded area, covering a variety of habitats. Walking on uneven trails and in damp foliage is a possibility. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM .jpg) LOCATION CJoin your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Call 920-485-4663 BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM LOCATION C Join your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663 BANDING NEOTROPICAL MIGRANTS Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM LOCATION D Who are they and what makes them so special? Among the many birds captured and banded at the Bird Festival are numerous Neotropical migrant birds. Join Bill Volkert for this program that is a continuation of the Bird Banding Program with a discussion of the birds of two worlds - their North American breeding grounds and their tropical wintering grounds. Meet at the DNR Field Office, North Palmatory St. in Horicon. WETLAND WATER BUGS Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM LOCATION F For young explorers of all ages. Join us to collect aquatic creatures from the marsh and learn how they adapt to survive. Meet at the boardwalk at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge auto tour route, off of Hwy 49. For more information, call 920-387-2658. SIGHTSEEING TOUR by boat ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION C A 1 hr. narrated pontoon boat tour of the inner Horicon Marsh, observing the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $10.00, Ages 12-15 $6.25, 4-11 $5.25 Call 920-485-4663 WILD BIRDS OF PREY ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:10 PM .jpg) LOCATION EHave you ever wondered what it takes to work with injured birds of prey? Have you ever wanted to see them close up? Come and listen to the popular Barb Harvey of Horicon as she gives an introduction to Wisconsin's hawks and owls. She uses slides, mounted specimens and LIVE birds in her presentation. The particular live birds may vary each day but have included a Red-tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl, Kestrels, Great Horned Owl and others. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49 on the northwest corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF THE FIVE WISCONSIN BIRDING & NATURE TRAIL GUIDES with quest speaker GEOR Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION A Join us for the celebration of the Department of natural Resources Endangered Resource Program’s newly completed initiative. Built on a platform of partnerships, the project’s goal was to put Wisconsin’s phenomenal natural resources within arm’s reach of every citizen and visitor. Receive your complementary copies of the five regional viewing guides and enjoy refreshments as you listen to George Archibald, founder of the International Crane Foundation speak about the importance of connecting people to Wisconsin’s natural resources through bird watching and wildlife viewing. Be on hand for Governor Doyle’s (invited) reading of his proclamation that names Horicon Marsh as the Portal Site for this statewide trail system. DNR’s Secretary Matt Frank (invited) Signe Holtz, Endangered Resources Bureau Director, and Department of Tourism Secretary (invited) Kelli Trumble will also take part in the celebration. Join project coordinator Susan Foote-Martin for an interesting travel program and your own set of complimentary guides. The celebration will be held at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WOOD WARBLERS Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION AJoin Bill Volkert for a slide presentation and hike. Often called the jewels of the bird world, the wood warblers are some of our most colorful birds, but challenging to identify by sight and sound. This program will help introduce birders to this amazing family of birds and help sharpen skills to learn these birds. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. BEGINNING BIRDING bird hike Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM LOCATION A Your hike leader will be Wendy Meier. This program will introduce binocular and field guide use and bird identification for the beginning birder. A short bird hike will accompany the program. The hike may be on uneven trails but rated easy. This is for ALL ages that want to learn how to bird. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. GREAT WISCONSIN BIRDING and NATURE TRAIL Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM LOCATION A The Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail is your invitation to observe the fascinating and diverse world of wildlife that exists in every corner of the state. The Wisconsin DNR Endangered Resources Program has developed a series of five highway-based viewing guides, each highlighting unique regional ecosystems of the state. Learn about this project, which divides the state into five wildlife viewing areas and features Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area as the Portal Site, making it the gateway property for all of Wisconsin. Project Coordinator Susan Foote-Martin will talk about the project, its partners and its impact as a sustainable ecotourism initiative. Receive your set of free guides and enjoy a colorful power point presentation on the project. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. ESTABLISHING and MANAGING PURPLE MARTIN NESTING COLONIES ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 2:15 PM to 3:10 PM LOCATION E With the help of dedicated volunteers, a wonderful nesting colony of Purple Martins has been established at Marsh Haven. Join Lawrence Vine, Marsh Haven’s Director, and Tony Oechsner, Purple Martin expert from Leroy, as they discuss the many elements of success. Using beautiful slides from photographer Jack Bartholmai, and actual field demonstrations, you will learn many tips for attracting and managing a nesting population of Purple Martins. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49, on the northeast corner of Horicon Marsh, across from the National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 BLUEBIRD - CAVITY NESTER PROGRAM Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM LOCATION B In 1986 the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) was formed. For the past 22 years this organization has compiled facts and results from members to determine what is and isn’t working and how bluebirds are doing statewide. Patrick Ready, a member of BRAW and editor of the Wisconsin Bluebird newsletter, monitors four Eastern Bluebird nest box trails in southern WI. He will share the trials and tribulations of being a “Trail Boss” as he presents the latest information about the bluebird recovery program. He will also cover some other common cavity nesters of nest boxes such as Tree Swallows, Black-capped Chickadees, House Wrens and more. Meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM LOCATION C Join your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663 WILD BIRDS OF PREY ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM .jpg) LOCATION EHave you ever wondered what it takes to work with injured birds of prey? Have you ever wanted to see them close up? Come and listen to the popular Barb Harvey of Horicon as she gives an introduction to Wisconsin's hawks and owls. She uses slides, mounted specimens and LIVE birds in her presentation. The particular live birds may vary each day but have included a Red-tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl, Kestrels, Great Horned Owl and others. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49 on the northwest corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 HOT SPOT BIRDING bus tour & hike ($) Registration Required ($)
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM LOCATION A Using the knowledge obtained from other festival field trips, we will hit various birding locations (Hot Spots) in hopes of adding as many species as we can in the time allotted. We may even strike out on our own to a “new” birding spot not included in this year’s festival! Walking on uneven trails is possible. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 4:30 AM SHARP. *Mailed in registration with payment required. This event will be held again on Sunday. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM LOCATION C Join your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663 WISCONSIN FEDERAL JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONTEST RECEPTION Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM LOCATION B This is a recognition reception for local K-12th grade winners and their families. Open to the public. This reception is open to the public and you will have the opportunity to view the Junior Duck Stamp Contest exhibit. Meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. TWILIGHT BIRDING by boat ($) Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM .JPG) LOCATION CHave you ever wondered what kind of bird activity goes on in the interior of Horicon Marsh after sundown during Spring Migration? There are two ways to find out. One way would be to pull on a pair of waders and walk though the cattails, hoping to keep dry and to find some vantage point to look and listen for bird activity. The other, is to sit in a chair on the deck of a pontoon boat as it slowly and quietly motors and drifts along, all the time looking for and listening to the birds that are using the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States as a place to rest, feed and raise their young. Join us as we patiently watch & listen for our marsh birds and other wildlife and who knows you might find out the answer to what is going "bump in the night"? Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663 for reservations. WHAT WAS THAT? MARSHLAND NIGHT SOUNDS Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM LOCATION A 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 sights and sounds of nocturnal creatures. Hike leader Bill Volkert will dispel the myths of night as he helps you identify the many nocturnal sounds that come from within the cattails and surrounding area. This program will be conducted outside with easy walking so remember to dress warm and bring a low powered flashlight. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. BIG SIT AT HORICON MARSH Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 4:00 AM to 6:30 PM  LOCATION DStarting at 4 AM Saturday, join Larry Michael and other Horicon Marsh Bird Club members (all or parts of the event will be canceled if there is bad weather) for a unique way to bird watch. Our goal is to identify as many bird species as possible in this 14 ½ -hour time period and is restricted to a 17-foot circle. The location of this event is the Observation Deck at the DNR Field Office, at the end of Palmatory St. in Horicon. A great look at the cattail marsh, open water, grassland, shrubbery and trees give this location a high mark for species potential. We will have the species ID list posted and are looking for all the help that we can get into the 17ft circle. Come and join us for all or part of this annual event as we try to ID every bird seen and or heard from this location. We are averaging 79 bird species during the Big Sit and have a total species list of 112 from this Observation Deck over the last 4 Festivals. Feel free to check-in throughout the day to see where our count stands. Donations and pledges are greatly appreciated; as this is the Horicon Marsh Bird Club's main funding source for their projects and what we believe is a fun and educational Bird Festival. There will be a pledge / donation box located on the observation deck during the Big Sit. Pledges or donations can also be sent directly to the "Big Sit: by using the Event Registration Form on this web site. So we thank you in advance for your pledge or donation. Your generosity will go a long ways in helping support our "Bird Feeding / Landscaping Complex" project slated for the newly remodeled "Horicon Marsh International Education Center". We are hoping to provide both outdoor and indoor bird observations into this area. So come join us at the "Big Sit" and who knows, you might be able to add a bird species or two to our list of birds. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. FIRST LIGHT BIRDING bus tour ($) Registration Required ($)
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION ATrip leaders are Tom Schaefer, Seth Cutright & Brad Webb. This is a field trip designed for birders who want to add as many species as possible to their bird lists. Be prepared to move by bus from location to location in search of migratory hot spots. There will be some walking but it is rated easy. We try our best to finish on time, but in the world of birding, bird activity is the deciding factor. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 6:00 AM SHARP. Bring your own snacks. *Mailed in registration with payment required. The same locations may be covered as Saturday’s event. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. HORICON NWR EAST TO WEST bus tour & hike Registration Required ($)
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM .jpg) LOCATION BTrip Leaders are Greg Seegert and Jeff Bahls. This field trip was a "big hit" in its first year in 2008, and is designed for the more adventurous birder. While this tour will begin with us boarding a bus and birding the eastern half of Dike Road getting off at selected locations, it will end with a up to 2-mile plus bird walk along the western half of Dike Road. The hike will be along graveled Dike road, level and flat terrain Dike Road, for those who are unfamiliar with Horicon Marsh is near the dividing line or border between the southern 1/3 of the marsh that is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the northern 2/3, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. With the cooperation of the USFWS, the western end of this Dike Road Tour will take place in an area not previously birded until the '08 Bird Festival. This western hike is a FESTIVAL ONLY EVENT and is closed to all other birders and non-birders. A portion of each registration fee is being donated to the Friends of Horicon National Wildlife Refuge. While the eastern half is made up of mostly cattail marsh and open water, the western part is primarily a mixture of trees/shrub & edge habitat. NOTE: Meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. The bus will depart at 6:00 AM SHARP. Bring your own snacks. *Mailed in registration with payment required. The same locations may be covered as Saturday's event. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. BIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM LOCATION D Join Bill Volkert and see our migrating songbirds close up and in the hand as they are captured, banded and released for study. This is a public demonstration where visitors will be able to see how and why bird banding is conducted. It also provides one of the best opportunities to observe these amazing migrants up close. Meet at the DNR Field Office, North Palmatory St. in Horicon. BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM  LOCATION CJoin your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663. HORICON MARSH BIRD HIKE Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM Location A Join leader Mike McDowell for a hike that will focus on bird species numbers in a seldom-birded area, covering a variety of habitats. Walking on uneven trails and in damp foliage is a possibility. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. HORICON MARSH INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER and FESTIVAL INFORMATION Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM LOCATION A This year most of the Bird Festival events will begin at the new Horicon Marsh International Education Center. This center is a $4.8 million project made possible largely due to tremendous local support. Construction began in November 2007 and required more than one year to complete. The center features an auditorium, two classrooms, traveling exhibit area, gift shop and a tremendous view of Horicon Marsh. The exhibit hall is yet to be completed, as are a few other components of the project. Volunteers will be on hand to provide information and direct visitors to the many events. Maps, Festival Booklets and other handouts will be available. 2009 Bird Festival pins, hats and shirts will be on sale and the gift shop will be open for those interested in purchasing something to remind them of their experience. We have a few festival pins available from previous years for those who forgot to purchase one at the time or for collectors. The Horicon Marsh International Education Center is located off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. HORICON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VISITOR CENTER Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM LOCATION B Watch a Refuge video, view interactive displays, observe the marsh from the viewing deck with spotting scopes and visit the Refuge gift shop. Opportunity to view the Wisconsin Federal Junior Duck Stamp Exhibit. No charge for programs or activities. The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, is located at: W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. BIRDING ADVENTURE boat tour ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM LOCATION C Join your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663 BANDING NEOTROPICAL MIGRANTS Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM LOCATION D Who are they and what makes them so special? Among the many birds captured and banded at the Bird Festival are numerous Neotropical migrant birds. Join Bill Volkert for this program that is a continuation of the Bird Banding Program with a discussion of the birds of two worlds - their North American breeding grounds and their tropical wintering grounds. Meet at the DNR Field Office, North Palmatory St. in Horicon. THE BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF HORICON MARSH ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM  LOCATION EJoin Larry Vine, Marsh Haven’s Director, as he reveals a series of stunning bird slides by Jack Bartholmai. Wonderfully vivid close ups show us just how richly colorful and interesting so many bird species truly are. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49, on the northeast corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the NWR Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 SIGHTSEEING TOUR by boat ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION C A 1 hr. narrated pontoon boat tour of the inner Horicon Marsh, observing the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $10.00, Ages 12-15 $6.25, 4-11 $5.25 Call 920-485-4663 WILD BIRDS OF PREY ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM .jpg) LOCATION EHave you ever wondered what it takes to work with injured birds of prey? Have you ever wanted to see them close up? Come and listen to the popular Barb Harvey of Horicon as she gives an introduction to Wisconsin's hawks and owls. She uses slides, mounted specimens and LIVE birds in her presentation. The particular live birds may vary each day but have included a Red-tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl, Kestrels, Great Horned Owl and others. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49 on the northwest corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 SHOREBIRD ID Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION A Shorebirds are among the greatest long-distant migrant birds, covering 6,000 to 10,000 miles twice a year between breeding grounds and wintering areas. Nearly 40 different species are known to Wisconsin and their great variety and brief stays in our state can prove challenging to get to know them. This slide presentation will help beginners and advanced birders to better learn this diverse group of birds. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. JUNIOR BIRDER ACTIVITIES Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM LOCATION B Learn how to use a pair of binoculars, make your own field guide, or listen to your favorite birdcalls. Meet at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, W4279 Headquarters Rd. off Cty. Rd. Z on the east side of the marsh. BEGINNING BIRDING bird hike Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM LOCATION A Your hike leader will be Wendy Meier. This program will introduce binocular and field guide use and bird identification for the beginning birder. A short bird hike will accompany the program. The hike may be on uneven trails but rated easy. This is for ALL ages that want to learn how to bird. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Birding Adventure boat tour ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM  LOCATION CJoin your guide on a two-hour narrated birding adventure into the heart of the marsh by pontoon boat. Observe the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $18.00, Ages 12-15 $10.50, 4-11 $8.50 Call 920-485-4663. WILD BIRDS OF PREY ($) Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM .jpg) LOCATION EHave you ever wondered what it takes to work with injured birds of prey? Have you ever wanted to see them close up? Come and listen to the popular Barb Harvey of Horicon as she gives an introduction to Wisconsin's hawks and owls. She uses slides, mounted specimens and LIVE birds in her presentation. The particular live birds may vary each day but have included a Red-tailed Hawk, Snowy Owl, Kestrels, Great Horned Owl and others. Meet at Marsh Haven Nature Center, three miles east of Waupun on Hwy. 49 on the northwest corner of the Horicon Marsh across from the National Wildlife Refuge Auto Tour. $2.00/adults/day, $1.00/child under 15/day 920-382-6770 HOT SPOT BIRDING bus tour & hike ($) Registration Required ($)
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM LOCATION A Using the knowledge obtained from other festival field trips, we will hit various birding locations (Hot Spots) in hopes of adding as many species as we can in the time allotted. We may even strike out on our own to a “new” birding spot not included in this year’s festival! Walking on uneven trails is possible. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 4:30 AM SHARP. *Mailed in registration with payment required. Note: The same locations may be covered as Saturday’s event. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. Part 1: MONITORING NOCTURNAL BIRDS: Rails, Bitterns, Owls and other things that go bump in the night Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM LOCATION A Join Andy Paulios, coordinator for the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI) as we learn about new citizen-based monitoring programs that target birds not well surveyed by existing programs. Andy will cover the basics of both the nocturnal bird monitoring and marshbird monitoring programs. Note: Part 1 participants will be given priority during registration for the Part 2 bus tour/hike (see below). Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. Part 2: MONITORING NOCURNAL BIRDS bus & hike ($) Registration Required ($)
Sunday, May 10, 2009 - 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM LOCATION A In Part 2 Andy Paulios will take his presentation into the field as we venture out into the marsh with the use of a bus, to give the participants a flavor of what it takes to participate in this rewarding and exciting monitoring opportunity. Target species will include grebes, rails, bitterns, owls and coot/moorhens. Join Andy and co-leaders Larry Michael and Marc Zuelsdorf as we search for these secretive birds. There are no guarantees. Who knows what we may find with a silent approach and a little patience? Bring along a low power flashlight to use on a short walk or two, rated easy. Meet at the Horicon Marsh International Education Center, off of Hwy. 28 between Mayville and Horicon. Bus departs at 7:00 PM SHARP. *Mailed in registration with payment required. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. HABITAT BIRDING boat & bus tour ($) Registration Required ($)
Monday, May 11, 2009 - 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM  LOCATION CThis is an all day two-part tour by pontoon boat and bus. Trip leaders will be Bettie Harriman, Carl Schwartz and Larry Michael. We will make use of one of the best ways to bird Horicon Marsh, which is by pontoon boat. We will look for birds from the marsh's interior. Most of our local nesting birds will be present, bolstered by our migrants that use the marsh to refuel and rest, so a surprisingly varied list of birds will be seen. Captains Marc Zuelsdorf and Jerry Genzmer will be your guides. Following a 3/4 hr. break we will board the bus to bird some of the better habitat locations around Horicon Marsh. Our main objective is to ID as many bird species as possible and provide an opportunity to sharpen bird identification skills. Short hikes will provide easy walking and we will try to stay on dry ground. A box lunch & drink are included in the cost of this tour. Meet at the Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Boat departs at 6:00 AM SHARP. *Mailed in registration with payment required. The same locations may be covered as Friday’s event. Contact lamichael@charter.net for more information. SIGHTSEEING TOUR by boat ($) Monday, May 11, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM LOCATION C A 1 hr. narrated pontoon boat tour of the inner Horicon Marsh, observing the birds and animals in their natural habitat. Tours depart from Blue Heron Landing, Hwy 33 at the bridge in downtown Horicon. Adults $10.00, Ages 12-15 $6.25, 4-11 $5.25 Call 920-485-4663 |
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