2 Merlins?

[Saul Panzer]

These where two separate birds taken last week in Marathon and Key West. Their markings are much crisper than the Merlins I'm used to seeing, if they are indeed Merlins.

 

Crisp Raptor by Fred Durkin, on Flickr

 

Crisp Raptor 2 by Fred Durkin, on Flickr

 

As always, thanks for looking!

 

 

[Jerry Friedman]

The head seems to small and as you say, the markings don't look right.  I'm going to go out on a palm frond and suggest immature Sharp-shinned Hawk.  The first one's eye looks dark because it's in shadow.

Edited November 15, 2018 by Jerry Friedman

[hbvol50]

Pretty sure they are not merlins

[akiley]

I think we have two birds here. Isn't the 1st a juvenile Red-shouldered? I would agree with Sharpie for the other bird.

[Creeker]

With the dark eyes and thick but not long toes, I would call both young Red-shouldered Hawks.

[Creeker]

Saul, do you have any other pics of these?

[Jerry Friedman]

Good reminder to look at the toes.

 

[Saul Panzer]

Here is the backside of the first one:

palm9 by Fred Durkin, on Flickr

 

and here is another pic of the 2nd:

 

pier1 by Fred Durkin, on Flickr

[Creeker]

After seeing that tail, and looking more at that first guy, I think we have Broad-winged here. Looks like maybe they winter at the extreme southern tip of Florida.