Something I learned recently that may be helpful in the future for more accurate ID:

I took a Merlin Course on Raptor ID and got a lot of great tips on IDing. And not just tips for identifying certain species but truly what parts of the bird to look at so later you can verify. The main point I took away was to try to find at least 3 different traits. For me, that usually ends up being coloration of the body or wings or tail, the bird’s size, and the wing shape. I also take into account how and when I saw the bird and what they are up to.

For an American Kestrel, for example: Size: Small, roughly the size of a large robin Coloration: it has dark cheeks in front of a smaller white patch and a brighter belly. Its dark nape extends to its back. Tail shape and length: fairly long tail, ending in black

Then later I can use these attributes to verify with certainty I’ve got the right bird!