ML642019589

Observation details

Juvenal-plumaged bird with tertials and primaries notably darker than any of the well-seen Kumlien's Gulls nearby but dramatically lighter than any first winter Herring. Clearly-contrasted two-toned primaries on a spread wing showing the clear 'blinds' effect, with darker outer vanes and pale inner vanes, often appearing dark from the top (when the outer vane was mostly visible) and nearly entirely silver or grey underneath (when the inner vane was most visible); fine white edgings on dark brown primaries on the folded wing when standing; a conspicuous brown tail band; and dark-brown-centered tertials with paler edges. The primaries and tertials were distinctly the darkest part of the bird, unlike the uniformly grey (though variable among the birds present) Iceland Gulls.