Ron Shields took this shot of a small raptor at Kearny Marsh on Sunday morning.
Although an initial ID leaned toward Cooper's or Sharpie, we are thinking it's a Merlin. (We are also well aware that IDs of perched raptors can be challenging.)
Anyone else? (Thanks, Ron!)
Ron also took the photo of a Rusty Blackbird (below) at the same location on Sunday morning.
More on Merlins here.
More on Rusty Blackbirds here.
Because of the relationship of the wingtips to the tail tip, I agree that it is a Merlin.
Also, the giant head compared to the rest of the body is a good field mark for merlin.