Merlin

This Merlin, a medium sized falcon,was flying across the highway yesterday as I was approaching a bridge. While in flight I recognized it as a falcon, and not a hawk, by its sharp pointed wings and longer tail. I was in luck when it perched in a tree alongside the highway on the other side of the bridge and pulling off onto the shoulder of the road I moved over to the passenger side and rolled down the window and took a few pictures. I don't see Merlins often and this was only the third opportunity I have had to photograph one. Pictures in the posting below show this fast flying falcon in flight.