Tail winds had owls shedding from both wings (6)
I believe the answer is:
shadow
'tail' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for shadow that I've seen before include "Secret follower" , "Hint, remnant; follow secretly" , "Secretly tail someone" , "Image caused by obscuring of light" , "Follow closely; pale imitation" .)