Hello,
I see what you mean: when scanning a flock of (Herring-) Gulls, this bird would surely attract attention. And the reasons for this are features of Caspian Gull:
small head, position of the small (?) eye, shape of the bill and full, nearly bulging rest (you can imagine a hunched giraffe-neck) gives this bird the right jizz.
Ageing is difficult for me, its either a 1 cycle or better a 2 cycle(=3 cy) bird. Many (appearant) 1 cycle Caspian Gulls here in NE-Germany have more dark-centered feathers in the upperparts and more extensive blackish bill.
More, can I detect different generation tertials? One with a blackish center and the others with a paler, diluted pattern?
Difficult, but any remarks to picture quality would be pure excuse with my level of experience.
Yes, I think it looks good for a 2cycle (=3 cy) Caspian Gull, but like you, I hope as always for Lou, Steve Clifton, smiths and others to confirm or correct (ein Träumchen)
Edit: yes head seems whitish, with not enough streaking for an ID-book Herring Gull. But I think picture quality enhances this and diminishes a slight darkish wash around the eye and at the neck. I think such a head is within variation for Caspian and Herring Gull. Or am I diluted by the fact, that I am surrounded by the large Mix-flocks iin NE-Germany?
