Birding the Shellrock River Greenbelt and Preserve by Rita Goranson (2003)

In the town of Rock Falls, there is only one main street. County Road S62 goes across the bridge and turns east down this main street, for one block. Here you will want to turn left and go north on Vine which is S62. At 310th Street the entrance to White Wildlife Area is on the west. You can park along 310th Street and walk back to this area. The first part is a board walk over the marsh area. Both Virginia Rail and Sora are here spring and fall and Black and Yellow Rail have been seen here in the past. Yellow-headed Blackbirds nest here in the summer. Continue into the woods, where a path will take you around to a second board walk overlooking the marsh at the west end. In the woods are Wood Thrushes, once a White-eyed Vireo was seen here, and many warblers and vireos in spring and fall migration. Whip-poor-wills use the area in spring migration, too. This area can be a paradise for birders or it can be occasionally a bust, but it is always worth the walk around the area because it is so lush and beautiful. Also check out the Rock Falls Cemetery adjacent to the wildlife area on the south side. Crossbills, finches, and siskins can be lurking in the pines in winter.