Beach wrecks Tahuna Torea - id request

[Jim Kirker]

Two dead birds on the Tahuna Torea spit Auckland this evening. One (bird 2 in the photos) had a length of glittery metal mesh-like material stuck in its throat. I assume these are two different petrels and hope there is enough detail for id. The pen is 137 mm long. I will send a photo of the bird 2 underwing separately.

[Jim Kirker]

Bird 2 underwing

[philbattley]

I think subadult black-backed gulls for both.
Phil

[Jim Kirker]

My wishful thinking - should have realised they are not petrels because nostrils not enclosed in tubes.
Jim

[philbattley]

You can also try the sniff test, for that distinctive true seabird smell!

[Clinton9]

Photo 1: 3-month-old Kelp gull in juvenile plumage.
Photo 2: 1-year-old Kelp gull