Taiga Merlin

Falco columbarius

I think that this is probably a Merlin. From a distance, its general appearance was that of a Kestrel, but unlike Kestrels, this bird was not disturbed by my being under its tree.
Its breast pattern differs, and the bars across the tail are a Merlin's, not a Kestrel's. This bird lacks the double moustache of the Kestrel.

"Lacks the strong facial markings and russet upperparts of kestrels ... strongly barred tail distinguishes Merlin from the much larger Peregrine and Prairie Falcon ... Underparts and underwings darker than kestrels ...." (Jon L. Dunn & Jonathan Alderfer. Field Guide to the Birds of North America, p. 148)

Photo taken with a Nikon D90 using a Nikon 400, f/5.6.

November 23, 2012.