Positive Identification

[Mark William]

Any help in making an I.D. ? Taken in south central New Mexico (Water Canyon) January. The photo angle is distorting the actual size, making the subject look larger than it really was.

Thank you.

[Mark William]

In my Sibley Guide, I was leaning towards a Merlin ?

[Doug Brown]

Another vote for Merlin

[Paul Lagasi]

Tail length, color pattern, beak and eyes....make this a Merlin

[Mark William]

Thanks Doug and Paul.