Small all-dark falcon seen initially flying close from a side-view, then seen flying tail-away, last seen heading east of road. Flight path was straight, and wingbeats were stiff, swift, and continuous. The cadence of this bird's wingbeats were faster than a leisurely-flapping Peregrine Falcon, and far-more forceful than the sloppy, erratic wingbeats of an American Kestrel. Stout wings were pointed at the tips and wide at the base. Moderate-lengthed tail (not long/slender tail like American Kestrel). The profile of this falcon fit the contour/shape of a Merlin to a T. Total viewing time was about 6-8 seconds as the bird raced by, appearing dark at all angles. Seen flying over opening near/around large latch of trees.
Details
Small all-dark falcon seen initially flying close from a side-view, then seen flying tail-away, last seen heading east of road. Flight path was straight, and wingbeats were stiff, swift, and continuous. The cadence of this bird's wingbeats were faster than a leisurely-flapping Peregrine Falcon, and far-more forceful than the sloppy, erratic wingbeats of an American Kestrel. Stout wings were pointed at the tips and wide at the base. Moderate-lengthed tail (not long/slender tail like American Kestrel). The profile of this falcon fit the contour/shape of a Merlin to a T. Total viewing time was about 6-8 seconds as the bird raced by, appearing dark at all angles. Seen flying over opening near/around large latch of trees.