The Rock Falls Birding Trail

06/18/2024

National American Eagle Day is celebrated on June 20th each year to honor the bald eagle as the national symbol of the United States, which it became in 1782. The day also aims to raise awareness and encourage the protection of bald eagles, and to recognize their recovery from near extinction as a conservation success story.
Photo credit: Gierhart Photo-Graphics

05/08/2024

Some interesting facts.

05/08/2024

04/28/2024

Migration time starts tonight for 3 nights.

!Migration Alert! BirdCast is predicting more than 300 MILLION birds will be migrating across the U.S. for each of the next three nights. Sadly, birds can be disoriented by light pollution, contributing to the hundreds of millions of birds estimated to die in building collisions in the U.S. every year. Turn off nonessential lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, and make glass safer for birds by day. Learn more about keeping migrating birds safe: bit.ly/LightsOutForBirds Please share to help get the word out!

04/26/2024

Look at Fred and Ethel - our named eagles that reside here in Rock Falls! Thanks Gierhart Photo-Graphics for catching these great shots!

04/11/2024

The 2024 Illinois Audubon Society Gathering will be in Savanna, IL this year - May 10-11.

Join us this spring in the northwest part of the state - an area well-known for spotting spring migrants. Red Hill Birding will lead field trips to Mississippi Palisades State Park, Lost Mound National Wildlife Refuge, Ayres Sand Prairie, Spring Lake and other spots along the river.

After a great day of birding on Saturday, join in on some early evening activities including the Natural History 480 and a Trivia Quiz.
A lecture on loons and banquet will complete the evening.
Click this link for information, schedule and registration: https://illinoisaudubon.org/annual-gathering/
Illinois Audubon Society

2024 Annual Gathering May 10-11 Savanna, Illinois Field Trips Guided by Red Hill Birding

04/09/2024

Another gorgeous catch by Gierhart Photo-Graphics along The Rock Falls Birding Trail!

Canvasback...12" x 18" format...from yesterday's birding along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in City of Rock Falls IL, Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois and Enjoy Illinois.

Illinois Audubon Society

04/09/2024

Who knew they were called "Baffleheads"? Thanks Gierhart Photo-Graphics for the lesson on what our birds along The Rock Falls Birding Trail are named as well as the wonderful photos!

Buffleheads...12" x 18" format...along the RRDA Rock River Development Authority & The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.

Illinois Audubon Society

04/04/2024

As you prepare for the eclipse, also consider observing bird behavior during the sudden shift from “day” to “night”.

Pay attention to which species are present throughout the event and which ones demonstrate a change in behavior. Watch for nocturnal behaviors, singing (or sudden silence) nocturnal bird species emerging and changes in flight patterns.

ebird.org/home recommends submitting complete checklists that are stationary and between 5-10 minutes in duration and a 3-4 minute checklist during the period of actual totality.

Take a moment to orient yourself with your surroundings to better understand any changes that may happen. Once you’re right where you want to be, get comfortable, enjoy the eclipse and observe the changes in nature around you.
IlIllinois Audubon Society

03/21/2024

This little clip was made by Gierhart Photo-Graphics and was shown at our Flock To The Rock event this past February. Enjoy!

03/05/2024

One week from today is the "Moved by Waters" film being shown at the Morrison Institute of Technology at 7pm - Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
Northwest Illinois Film Office

What unites us is more important than what divides us. Emmy-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films turn their lens on a network of people and organizations in Iowa and Illinois working toward improved water quality in the Upper Mississippi watershed. Their new documentary Moved by Waters will screen in the theater of Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Ave., Morrison, Illinois on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. The Rundles' Emmy-winning Over & Under: Wildlife Crossings and Emmy-nominated Places To Be Wild will precede the screening of Moved by Waters. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow the films. This free screening/discussion event is funded by a grant from BeWildReWild and co-sponsored by Whiteside County Economic Development, the Northwest Illinois Film Office, and Morrison Institute of Technology (Morrison Tech).

03/04/2024

With 189 total votes in for naming our two local eagles here in Rock Falls - the winning names are Fred & Ethel with 105 votes!
So let's welcome Fred & Ethel to Rock Falls! Photo credit: Gierhart Photo-Graphics

02/29/2024

What unites us is more important than what divides us. Emmy-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films turn their lens on a network of people and organizations in Iowa and Illinois working toward improved water quality in the Upper Mississippi watershed. Their new documentary Moved by Waters will screen in the theater of Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Ave., Morrison, Illinois on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. The Rundles' Emmy-winning Over & Under: Wildlife Crossings and Emmy-nominated Places To Be Wild will precede the screening of Moved by Waters. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow the films. This free screening/discussion event is funded by a grant from BeWildReWild and co-sponsored by Whiteside County Economic Development, the Northwest Illinois Film Office, and Morrison Institute of Technology (Morrison Tech).
Northwest Illinois Film Office

02/26/2024

Birdwatching in NW Illinois is a hidden gem. This was a post from the VisitNW Illinois featuring our very own Gierhart Photo-Graphics!

02/26/2024

A Cooper's Hawk.
Photo credit: Gierhart Photo-Graphics

Cooper's Hawk along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls & City of Rock Falls IL...12" x 18" format...ENJOY!!!

VisitNW Illinois
Enjoy Illinois
Illinois Audubon Society

Gierhart Photo-Graphics

02/26/2024

Look at the size of this Eagle Nest!
Photo credit: Gierhart Photo-Graphics

02/26/2024

Our "local" Eagles along the The Rock Falls Birding Trail.
Thanks Gierhart Photo-Graphics for the shots!

02/25/2024

Did you know a couple of bald eagles have made their home right here in Rock Falls! Thanks to Gierhart Photo-Graphics, he catches some great shots of them as they are in their nest, sitting in a tree, or flying around. You can spot them anywhere along the Rock River and the Hennepin Canal North Feeder. So we thought it would be fun if we named the two. We have a male and female (the bigger one is the female). Put your suggestions of names below in the comments or if you like someone else's suggestion, click the like or love button. Can't wait to see what the winnings names will be! Sinnissippi Audubon Society Enjoy Illinoisn VisitNW Illinois

02/13/2024

Did you miss out on getting your Rock Falls Birding Trail tumbler today at Flock to the Rock '24? You can still purchase from Rock Falls Tourism - Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Just come to our office at 603 W. 10th Street, Rock Falls.
$15 each or 2 for $25. Cash, check or charge. Thank you!

02/07/2024

Looking for a stylish and practical way to keep your drinks hot or cold while out on the Rock Falls Birding Trail? Look no further than our new Rock Falls Birding Trail Tumbler! Available now for just $15 each, or two for $25, this must-have tumbler is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Don't miss your chance to grab one at our office or at Flock to the Rock this Saturday, February 10th. Get yours today and enjoy your favorite beverages on the trail in style!

02/07/2024

We thought this was interesting about migration.

For the first time, scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have documented migratory movements of bird populations spanning the entire year for 118 species throughout the Western Hemisphere. The study finds broad similarity in the routes used by specific groups of species—vividly demonstrate...

02/05/2024

Looks like these 3 eagles are having a conversation.
Thank you Gierhart Photo-Graphics!

Eagle Trio as seen 02/03/2024 along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois, Whiteside County, Illinois & Enjoy Illinois...12" X 18" format...ENJOY!!!

Illinois Audubon Society

02/03/2024

It's time to count some birds! Join us as we participate in Audubon's Worldwide Great Backyard Bird Count!

We will be hosting two sessions at The Ruth Edwards Nature Center on Saturday February 17th!

For more information, visit our website - https://www.dixonparkdistrict.com/naturecenter/

01/24/2024

Looks like this eagle has an attitude maybe. :)
Thanks Gierhart Photo-Graphics for this shot!

Bald Eagle as seen at the Lower Dam 01-21-2024 along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.

12" x 18" format - bracketed image I.D. below for those interested in purchasing print (backing, matting and framing available), canvas, acrylic, metal, and glass...or if you have interest in using on a website or other digital products through Gierhart Photo-Graphics...ENJOY!!! Illinois Audubon Society



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01/24/2024

Just beautiful! Thank you Gierhart Photo-Graphics!

Bald Eagle as seen at the Lower Dam 01-21-2024 along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.

10" x 20" format - bracketed image I.D. below for those interested in purchasing print (backing, matting and framing available), canvas, acrylic, metal, and glass...or if you have interest in using on a website or other digital products through Gierhart Photo-GraphicsGraphics...ENJOY!!! Illinois Audubon Society



[10x20_Edit_DSC_8276_Bald_Eagle (Gierhart)]