I did some research based on my observation of the Hawk duo/trio and the feather I found.
I don't think these are Hawks, I think they are Eagles. According to the Illinois Wildlife Research site I found on birds, there is only one species of Hawk that will hang out and hunt in a group. That species is only found in the hottest desert climate in the USA (that's Arizona of course). The big bird species that does do this however, are Eagles. I haven't been able to photograph it well enough to get subtle coloring detail so I 'm not sure what kind exactly but there are several smaller species that live in this area, they all inhabit trees and they will hunt in groups or pairs. Pairs are more common as Eagles mate for life and I never see this bird solo. You can just barely see the partner bird in the below photo:
I don't think these are Hawks, I think they are Eagles. According to the Illinois Wildlife Research site I found on birds, there is only one species of Hawk that will hang out and hunt in a group. That species is only found in the hottest desert climate in the USA (that's Arizona of course). The big bird species that does do this however, are Eagles. I haven't been able to photograph it well enough to get subtle coloring detail so I 'm not sure what kind exactly but there are several smaller species that live in this area, they all inhabit trees and they will hunt in groups or pairs. Pairs are more common as Eagles mate for life and I never see this bird solo. You can just barely see the partner bird in the below photo:
As a pair or group some of these birds can take down pretty large prey so it explains why Lester and Wanda keep a low profile during the day when they see the shadow of these birds circling overhead. There is most definitely a nest nearby, I suspect on the neighboring property but given how agro the Blue Jay can get when you venture too close to her nest, I think I'll refrain from trying to find it's exact location. I'm curious but not stupid.