Merlin

I saw a merlin today in Vista, California at around 4:45 in the afternoon, just as the sun was about to go down.  A merlin is an uncommon small falcon found normally in coniferous forests with open fields, where it hunts small birds and large insects.  It is very uncommon here, as there isn't a forest, and there are few open spaces, so that's why it was exciting.  It was in a tall conifer.  Here are some photos!

Merlin