Barn Owl, Kestrel, Buzzards and more!

Today was very much a bird watchers dream. Setting off from the car park near Rufford Station, it wasn't far into the walk when both Chris and I saw the Barn Owl ahead of us.

I don't think we saw very much for sometime as we constantly looked at the hedge row and railway bank where (s)he headed. We were lucky as we caught two or three glimpses.
Our 5.9163 mile route can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6145659. 

At the Sluice,don't make the error that I made, follow the map and don't continue straight on but turn right over the second bridge. 

Turning left at the end of the next field. The path is then very obvious as you turn right. Along here we disturbed a roosting Kestrel.

The three wind turbines dominate the skyline with Winter Hill and the TV masts on the horizon. Teasles were a big attraction for Yellow Hammers and GoldFinch. Looking at Parbold Hill, Harrock Hill and Winter Hill brought back fond memories of our journey along the Lancashire Trail.

Turning left where, if you are observant, the Mawdesley Jubilee Trail Signs are visible on broken fence posts.(http://www.mawdesley-village.org.uk/pdf/mjt.pdf)
We headed along a farm track to Carr Lane.

Across a field on the left of Carr Lane, we cut through to the junction of Drinkhouse Lane and Drinkhouse Road. Along here we passed some houses with the traditional Vaccary Fence.

3 miles from the start and we were briefly on Moss Lane before cutting right to cross the Ormiskirk to Preston Railway Line. 

Currently there are no trains on Sundays.

It was along this part of the walk that we first heard their call  and then saw the Buzzards.

Passing Fours Wood

and a large pond 

we crossed a bridge

into field full of sheep who, once one of them set off at a gallop, all ran to group together. 

Out onto Meadow Lane (the A581) we crossed the road bridge, over the River Douglas and sharp left onto the raised flood defence bank.

Even this far inland, the Douglas is tidal.

The car park of Rufford Old Hall, viewed across the fields and the Rufford Arm of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, was busy and smoke could be seen rising from the Hall's chimneys.

Back under the Railway we emerged,next to the Fishing Lake, onto Station Road the B5246.

We'd decided,out of the options available to us, to have lunch at Fettler's Wharf Marina

at Thowd Boatman's Cabin.

Very enjoyable and, even if you don't want to do the walk, well worth a visit.

Back to the Car park brought our walk to its conclusion.