Form: 10-K

Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

February 11, 2010


Exhibit 23.1

 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 Nos. 333-146819 and 333-155730 of MFA Financial, Inc. and in the related Prospectuses, and in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 Nos. 333-39772, 333-67758 and 333-121365 pertaining to the Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Compensation Plan of MFA Financial, Inc.,  of our reports dated February 11, 2010, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of MFA Financial, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of MFA Financial, Inc. both included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
New York, New York
February 11, 2010