Are these Fluttering Shearwaters?

[alanpt]

Hi

I took these photos from the shore at the entrance to Otago harbour ... are they fluttering shearwaters? The third pic is two from the same group as pics 1&2. Thanks Alan

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[Alan Tennyson]

Yes - they are very pale underneath. Also note that they are in heavy moult - unlike Hutton's at this time of year. Nice photos.
cheers
Alan

[alanpt]

Thanks for the information on the id Alan - is it the mottled appearance on the upper wings that indicate the heavy moult?

[Alan Tennyson]

You can see that some of the main flight feathers (inner primaries) are missing - the rear edge of the wing should be a smooth line in birds with fully grown feathers.

[alanpt]

Yes i see that, they do look rather tatty around there - thanks for the explanation