We’re so excited to share the expansion of the Audubon Mural Project just north of Rockford. This is one of two murals that will be completed in South Beloit, Illinois. Artist Brett Whitacre recently finished painting this beautiful Whooping Crane! (Location: 511 Blackhawk Blvd., South Beloit, IL)
“The Last Watcher”
In this mural, a tall white bird—the endangered Whooping Crane—stands quietly in a glowing marsh at sunset. It looks calm, but there’s something heavy in the stillness. It’s been around for millions of years, yet now it’s almost gone. Only a few hundred remain in the wild.
Whooping Cranes are not only Federally endangered, but they are threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Our flyway is in their migratory path and if you’re lucky, you may see one in our area!
This mural was completed in collaboration with Sinnissippi Audubon, Nature At The Confluence, and the City of South Beloit.
The Audubon Mural Project is a public-art initiative of the National Audubon Society and Gitler &_____ Gallery that draws attention to birds threatened by climate change. Art can serve as a powerful tool to increase awareness and beautify our communities!
In 2025 the City of South Beloit City Council voted to support the joint effort in the amount of $25,000.