Merlin

[Gintaras B.]

I do guess, it's a Merlin - a beautiful small raptor:

http://g4.img-dpreview.com/583CCCC0E8444E9A8ECE911C81D7E5D9.jpg

http://g1.img-dpreview.com/B84E4A89CF9043918E5344C39F124404.jpg

[Aviation.High.Guy]

Great shots! Where was this?

[Gintaras B.]

Happy Easter !

Thanks Don...I took photos by the Cross Bay Bridge - I drove there after they switched to RWY's 4 and there I took these pics.

I've never saw this bird before. I did check reference book I have "Illustrated Birds Of North America" and it looks like a Merlin.

[Aviation.High.Guy]

Awesome catch! I never saw one either. I've caught Red Tail Hawks, Osprey, even a Bald Eagle but never a Merlin.

Happy Easter!

[NIKV69]

He looks real young too. Nice pics!

[Kiffy]

Nice photos, especially with her tail splayed out.

[Gintaras B.]

Thanks...

No one does know how old that Merlin(he or she - I don't know) is - no bands on talons...Who does know, if 10 years lifespan for a bird like this isn't similar to a human's 100 years?
Have anyone tried to google - time does not exist
I was pretty much surprised that bird did some posing for photos, but didn't let me much closer...
I knew that wasn't no Peregrine neither was any kind of Hawk - way to small...and no American Kestrel - almost same sized raptor as Merlin, I've seen American Kestrel - totally different colors...

You never know, what you can "catch" on your airplane spotting trip...