The Rock Falls Birding Trail

03/14/2025

Spring Migration for birds is happening now, actually January to June. You can pick up a rack card to learn more about it here at Rock Falls Tourism office.
These rack cards were designed by Paul Gierhart.

03/11/2025

The eagles are still around just not as prevalent. Here is a shot Bryan Plummer got last evening. Love the moon with it! Thanks Bryan Plummer for sending this in.

03/07/2025

Eagles are such majestic creatures, and having them along The Rock Falls Birding Trail is so cool! We thank all the photographers who come to Rock Falls to photograph all the birds along the trail, and we love to share your photos for all to see and enjoy!
A local photographer, Alan Moore Photography, has put together an eagle photo book that includes some of his best shots of eagles along The Rock Falls Birding Trail, plus the inclusion of the Rock Falls Birding Trail map. It would indeed make a beautiful coffee table book! If you want your very own copy, click this link to order: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3019252?__r=8112450
FYI: Rock Falls Tourism is not selling these books, so please contact Alan Moore Photography with any questions.

A beautiful photo book of Bald Eagles along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Rock Falls, Illinois by Alan Moore Photography.

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing the eagles!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from Gierhart Photo-Graphics, a local resident. Paul is always out capturing stunning photos of our eagles and so much more around Rock Falls! Thanks, Paul!

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing the eagles!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from Alan Moore Photography, a local resident. Thank you for these exceptional shots of our eagles.

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing the eagles!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from David Dowell. David comes from Aurora, IL quite often throughout the "Eagle Season". Thank you for letting us share your wonderful shots of our eagles!

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing the eagles!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from Sue Heckman, a local resident. Thank you for letting us share you wonderful photos!

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing birds along the Rock Falls Birding Trail!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from Nicole Reuter, a local resident. She captured photos of a Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Red Bellied Woodpecker and a Cardinal. Great shots, Nicole!

02/24/2025

We love that so many were out taking advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and also photographing the eagles!
We would like to share some of the photos that were sent to us from the photographers this weekend! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
These photos are from Dan Wade. Dan comes from Wisconsin quite often throughout the "Eagle Season". Thank you, Dan!

02/22/2025

The determination of the eagle, but also of the photographers. The photographers are out there in the cold determined to get that perfect shot! I would say this is a perfect shot - Alan Moore Photography!

Always with the look of determination and persistence.

Lower Dam
Rock Falls, IL

The Rock Falls Birding Trail
Visit Rock Falls

02/20/2025

Just a reminder about Eagle Etiquette!
When viewing bald eagles in Illinois, you should give them space and avoid disturbing them.
Give them space: Keep at least 300 yards away in open areas, and 100 yards away in thick vegetation.
Stay in your car or on the opposite side of a river or lake.
Avoid making loud noises, such as yelling or honking your horn.
Don't try to get closer than you can with binoculars or a spotting scope.
Don't disturb them.
Don't approach resting eagles.
Don't feed the eagles.
Don't try to follow an eagle if it flies off.
Don't remove, relocate, destroy, or obstruct eagle nests.
Be considerate and be courteous to other eagle watchers and wildlife.
Pick up after yourself and take your trash away.
When to see eagles: December through February are good months for viewing bald eagles in Illinois. Mornings are better for viewing around water.
Photo credit: Bradley W. Icenogle

02/20/2025

Due to the frozen waters, the eagles are making their way back to the lower dam area. Alan Moore Photography got this cool shot yesterday.

2 tails!

Lower Dam
Rock Falls, IL

02/18/2025

So pretty. Appropriately named "Fluffy" by Alan Moore Photography.

Fluffy.

Upper dam
Rock Falls, IL

02/17/2025

David Dowell sent us these two stunning shots from yesterday at the lower dam. Notice the snow?

02/16/2025

Rock Falls Tourism Director went down to the lower dam this morning to greet some 50 photographers from around the Aurora/Chicagoland area who come to Rock Falls annually to photograph our eagles. Jim Gallichio from PROCAM brings different lens for their group to experience with. There were about 5-10 eagles this morning for them to get great shots of! Thank you David Dowell and PROCAM for coming to Rock Falls again!

02/11/2025

While we seem to always focus on the eagles along The Rock Falls Birding Trail, we don't want to forget the Mallards!
These photos from Alan Moore Photography look like they were showing off for the photo shoot!