Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus. Stellwagen Bank, MA. (Images taken using Canon Powershot A-95 through Leica 8x42 binoculars). This brownish individual caught my atttention in the field as we sped along on a whale watching cruise. It was visibly duller and less contrasting than the Manx Shearwater alongside. It also appeared to be very slightly smaller with a different posture at rest. The wings and tail did not appear to be held as high compared to the Manx alongside, or other Manx that we saw during the morning. Being familiar with Manx Shearwater this dusky looking bird lacked the contrast that I would have expected to see in that species, especially in terms of the extensive blotchy markings along the flanks. Sibley (2000) notes that the flanks should be clean and white in Manx Shearwater. Do let me know if you have any comments on the identification or age of this particular bird. james@keenbirding.com |
 Typical Manx Shearwater (left) at rest with the bird of interest.  Looked quite dull and dusky, espcially from the rear.       At rest with American Herring Gull. |