Caspian Gull(?), Bristol UK (1 Viewer)

[myoudale]

Not really a gull person but this one stood out in amongst the other Herring Gull. Had what can only be described and a beady black eye and a very long pretty parallel bill. It just stood out as being ‘different’.
Can’t recall ever seeing one other than a 1w so have very limited experience with the species.
Photos taken with phone through binocular so quality isn’t that good. Have no images of primaries or anything.
Gut does say Herring gull, but it stood out in the crowd and it’s been niggling at me hence I have come to the pros.

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Looks like a 3cy Michahellis to me - heavy bill, square head, mantle tone, heavily abraded primaries etc.
Caspian is mega rare in the SW e.g. 4 accepted records for Somerset.

 

[Larry Sweetland]

Where exactly in Bristol was it, Myoudale?

 

[lou salomon]

pattern on tertials and inner greater coverts as well as largish white apicals make it look better for a 4cy herring gull with already moulted white head.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Thank you Lou and others,
one of those birds/threads I looked, when no answer was there. I couldnt ID and hoped for replies, so I can learn.

 

[myoudale]

Where exactly in Bristol was it, Myoudale?

Lyde Green

 

[myoudale]

pattern on tertials and inner greater coverts as well as largish white apicals make it look better for a 4cy herring gull with already moulted white head.

Thanks Lou. I did think it could just be a herring, but it did just stand out which caught my attention. Maybe will settle it at herring gull