At first, I thought this was a Southeastern American Kestral, but after viewing my photos in more detail, it was actually a Merlin!

Merlin
I am honored to have the first observation in Hernando County on iNaturalist! There are currently 131 observations, mostly in the southern areas of Florida.
——–Stay safe!
https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/falcons/merlin
Categories: Birds, Nature Photography, Raptors