We have called the American Kestrel the Sparrow Hawk for so long it’s difficult not to.  But it’s a kestrel, a little falcon, and eats way more insects than small birds.American Kestrel

Apparently, the vole below could not read the sign.  (Voles have much shorter tails than mice.)

 

American Kestrel

The Merlin is another small falcon and seldom seen as it only migrates through.  The one directly below may be a male of the “Taiga” variety that is supposed to be more common in eastern United States and CanadaMerlin

This Merlin looks to be a male of the “Prairie” variety.Merlin ♀

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