A blue heron takes flight, flying low across the Mississippi River. The heron, and white egrets, are commons sights along the riverfront, along with ducks and geese. For full information about the blue heron, visit the Audubon Society's web site by clicking here.

An Iowa Department of Transportation worker checks out the supporting ironwork of the east/southbound Interstate 74 Bridge between Bettendorf and Moline. The span has a 66 "sufficiency rating" in the Iowa DOT's bridge analysis, while the older west/northbound structure has only a 43 rating. The lowest rated bridge structure in Scott County is the Lincoln Road I-74 overpass in Bettendorf with a 33 rating. The overpass was struck by a semi-trailer truck carrying a tall load nearly a year ago, and one lane of the overpass remains blockaded. For the complete list of primary bridges in Iowa and their sufficiency ratings, click here.

Two people enjoy a warm September afternoon on the banks of the Mississippi River at Leach Park, Bettendorf. In the distance is downtown Davenport and across the river, Arsenal Island.

The afternoon sunlight filters through the cottonwood trees at Crow Creek Park's quarry. The falling leaves of the cottonwood are a prelude to the arrival of autumn.

Fencing for the new dog park at Crow Creek Park is nearly complete. The dog area is just west of the quarry. Click on "Read More" for additional photos.

The recent rainy weather has delayed completion of the new recreation trail through Crow Creek Park, Bettendorf. The new trail starts at Devils Glen Road, connects to the existing trail next to the park's quarry, and then extends east to Middle Road. Eventually the trail is to extend eastward to Valley Drive and the future riverfront trail along the Mississippi River.

Barges loaded with coal get pushed north by a towboat on the Mississippi River at the Interstate 74 Bridge crossing between Moline and Bettendorf. River traffic is in full swing with normal river levels and picture-perfect summer weather.

Bettendorf Public Library Director Faye Clow waves to the crowd along the July 4th parade route through downtown Bettendorf Wednesday. The long-time library head is retiring at the end of the year and served as Grand Marshall of the parade. During her nearly 30-year tenure, the library not only doubled its size, but added many new technology and information services to better serve the community. For additional parade photos, click on the "Read More" link below.

The Centennial Garden in Middle Park (off 23rd Street) provides its own showy "fireworks" of purple, yellow and orange colors. Area gardens and farm fields reflect the ample rain and sunshine so far this growing season. For additional photos of the colorful Centennial Garden, click on the "Read More" link below.

Construction equipment and trucks surround the new Neil Armstrong Elementary School under construction along Central Avenue in Bettendorf. The new nearly $8-million school is expected to be completed by this fall.