Taiga Merlin
Falco columbarius
I think that this is probably a Merlin.
The USGS says that there are three "distinct races" of Merlins
in North America.
It is 200-300 yards distant, and not
much can be seen until we take a closer
look at the same bird. Looking at the underwing of this Merlin,
I would say that this bird is a Taiga Merlin.
"Relatively small size, stocky
angular shape, relatively short, broad wings, and overall dark
color distinctive." (The Sibley Field Guide to Birds
of Eastern North America, p. 114)
"Rare to uncommon migrant and
winter resident throughout the state. Merlins are low density
winter residents throughout most of the state and are most common
on the Coastal Prairies." (The Texas Ornithological Society
Handbook of Texas Birds, p. 50).
Merlins seem to be aggressive
taking on larger birds like crows.
Photo taken with a Nikon D90 using
a Nikon 400, f/5.6.
October 27, 2011.