A challenge from today

This little one was a real challenge to capture. While not the best by any means as fast as it was and as poor as the conditions were I felt these were acceptable. Honestly not sure but I am thinking a Merlin?

A couple more

It's a female/maybe juvenile Prairie merlin (Falco columbarius richardsonii) They can resemble Prairie falcons as this one does, but are smaller, and the dark bands at the tip of the tail mark it as a merlin.

Beekeeper wrote in post #17448562
It's a female/maybe juvenile Prairie merlin (Falco columbarius richardsonii) They can resemble Prairie falcons as this one does, but are smaller, and the dark bands at the tip of the tail mark it as a merlin.

Thanks, after looking through my books I felt the same. The prairie version Merlin. Surprised me because it was quite small, barely larger than a Kestral. We don't see these often.

Yeah,they aren't common here in Ohio either, but do show up. There was even a pair that nested here in the state four or five years ago. Pretty cool birds to watch hunting.

Your efforts paid off, nicely done!

great shots- really great subject. I love the first one

What a little Beauty ! Thanks for posting him up.