The Rock Falls Birding Trail

03/18/2026

Not exactly on the Rock Falls Birding Trail, but definitely a spot worth checking out is the gate above the upper dam at Hennepin Canal State Park—a great place to watch for waterfowl. That’s where Gierhart Photo-Graphics spotted them as you can see his photos below.

03/10/2026

Most of the eagles have left the area; however, we still have our local ones that you can catch in action along the Rock Falls Birding Trail. This is a great shot that Gierhart Photo-Graphics took the other day.

"Don't You Turn Your Back To Me!" - 8" x 10" format - as seen along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.



Illinois Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Talkin' Birds Radio Show

Paul Gierhart

Birding with Paul

03/10/2026

Beautiful Cardinal that Gierhart Photo-Graphics captured along the Rock Falls Birding Trail.

"Posing Pretty" - 8" x 10" format - Northern Cardinal - As seen along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.



Illinois Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Talkin' Birds Radio Show

Birding with Paul

Paul Gierhart

02/24/2026

There are still some eagles hanging around the Rock Falls Birding Trail.
Thanks to Gierhart Photo-Graphics for this shot of the eagles hanging out on the Rock River.

"Hierarchy" - 10" x 20" format - 02/23/2026 - As seen on The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.


Illinois Audubon Society
National Audubon Society
' Birds Radio Show

02/20/2026

Spotlighting another bird specie (Double-crested Cornorant) along the Rock Falls Birding Trail - Photo credit to Gierhart Photo-Graphics.

"Fly Over" _10" x 20" format - Double-crested Cornorant - 02/04/2026 - As seen on The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.



Illinois Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Talkin' Birds Radio Show

Birding with Paul

Paul Gierhart

02/20/2026

Cool photo that Gierhart Photo-Graphics took along the Rock Falls Birding Trail. Thanks Paul!

"Bloody Beak" - 5" x 7" format - 02/04/2026 - Along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.



Illinois Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Talkin' Birds Radio Show

Paul Gierhart

Birding with Paul

02/12/2026

"Locked On Target" - 12" x 12" format - 2/11/2026 - As seen along The Rock Falls Birding Trail in Visit Rock Falls, VisitNW Illinois & Enjoy Illinois.



Paul Gierhart

Birding with Paul

Illinois Audubon Society

National Audubon Society

Talkin' Birds Radio Show

02/08/2026

Before the Flock to the Rock '26 event, we invited people to check out the eagles in action at both our upper and lower dams. Here are some pics Gierhart Photo-Graphics got.
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02/04/2026

If you ever wondered what the difference was between a juvenile and an adult bald eagle, this is a perfect photo representing both. Thank you Gierhart Photo-Graphics for this wonderful picture you took!

02/03/2026

Sue Heckman was at Centennial Park parking lot checking out the eagles along the Hennepin Canal! She was sure to use eagle etiquette to capture these great shots!

01/30/2026

Sue Heckman submitted these beautiful photos she captured along the Rock Falls Birding Trail at both the Upper and Lower Dams in Rock Falls on January 29th.

Winter is a great time to spot birds along the river, and we love seeing the trail through your lens. Thank you, Sue, for sharing these moments with us!