Help ID this Hawk Please

I have this hawk IDd as a Red Shouldered Hawk because I had previously seen them in this area, but I think that is wrong. It was photographed back in February. The yellow surround on the eye makes me think it may be a Sharp Shinned Hawk. We don't see them this far south (Oklahoma) often but they do winter here. But, aside from the eye, I am unconvinced and looking for a bit of help. I don't have a good shot of the back but maybe the profile in flight will help. I think it's a bit too big to be a Merlin or some other falcon but I guess it could be and the flight shot certainly looks like one. HELP!!!!

Certainly a Merlin. You won't see pointed wings like that on any hawk.

Nice look; especially #1.

It looks like a prarie Merlin, to me.

Note the distinctly pointed wings, short tail and its relatively small size; as well as that yellow eye ring. The wings, in particular, tell that this is a Falcon of some flavor.

Red-shouldered Hawk would be MUCH larger and have a stronger/thicker neck and head; they're part of the Buteo family, with Red-tails and such. They also have a long tail, compared to stubby, here

Sharpie would not actually have the yellow eye ring, that's another one you see on the Falcons (check out Peregrine and Kestrel on allaboutbirds or one of the other photo id sites). Sharpie would also have a longer tail and slightly more rounded wingtips.

Really liking the first image here Richard! Indeed a Merlin.