Did you find it close to your house?  I wonder if it hit the house, or something else, while pursuing prey.  Sad.

About 15' from the corner of the house (single story) so I guess that's a possibility.  No signs of impact, no feathers.  Never know for sure.

It looks like a merlin to me as well.  Sad that it died, though. I wonder what happened to it. 
[/quote]

No obvious signs of trauma, no scattering of feathers, just lying in the yard.

It's definitely not a Kestrel. I think it's a Merlin. I've attached a pic of a Merlin. What d'ya think!?

I think the Merlin may well be it.  Thanks MAK!  Wish I could have photographed this one live. 

Could you post its face..might be easier to ID.

I knew someone would ask for a face photo as soon as I uploaded the others, but I had to go out and just got back.  My camera gives too much color intensity with flash, and throws in some blue hue that is not really there, but these may be useful.  This has to be an adult - way too late in the year for young birds.  Kestrel?  I've never seen one around here (Southeast Alabama).  It's like it just fell out of the sky.

http://www.afn.org/~afn02552/photos/hawk%3f/face1.JPG
http://www.afn.org/~afn02552/photos/hawk%3f/face2.JPG

Found in the backyard today.

http://www.afn.org/~afn02552/photos/hawk%3f/hawk1.JPG
http://www.afn.org/~afn02552/photos/hawk%3f/hawk2.JPG

Camera is back!

You can't have too many luxury apartment complexes.   

Fledgling Osprey is flying well but staying close to home. Kiting in the breeze, a quick trip around town, and a nice safe return.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAsoEepkfhE&feature=youtu.be

May have to let the video run through to the end, then replay for it to run smoothly.

http://www.wmbb.com/story/25775692/hawk-rescued-after-close-encounter-with-breakfast

The Great Escape

Food delivery...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgoHWbqkcKY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKtfID8Hnl0&feature=youtu.be

WOW!.....In a state where the family pet is routinely chained in the back yard or hauled unrestrained in the open bed of a pickup, an Alabama woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison for animal cruelty!

BUT.......a deal with the prosecution whittled her jail time down to 10 months!

http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/2014/04/04/kelley-to-be-placed-on-probation-ordered-to-pay-restitution/

Thanks, all, for the birthday greetings!

Those without FB can view it here: Rochester: A City of Quality on Vimeo