Light brown/beige hawk

Hi guys

I was walking in the new forest yesterday out in the open and saw a hawk sitting in a tree and then flying around but couldnt identify it. It seemed to be very light brown almost beige. I managed to get it in my binoculars but not long enough to spot any really identifying marks. It was so light I spotted it even against the background heather from at least 100m away. 

It was about the size of a kestrel so wondering if it is a young kestrel or Merlin that might lose its light colour over time?

It didnt hover like a kestrel and at one point flew straight over my head.

Any ideas?

Cheers

Kevin