Merlin and prey, note the "tomial tooth" on the end of the beak.

The projections at the end of the mandible is typical of falcons kites, and some accipiters. In allows them to slide their beak down the neck of their prey and sever the spinal cord. A quick, clean kill.

 

The late afternoon sky looks different from this angle.

I was lucky to have a patient bird.

Done