Iceland gull id help please. (1 Viewer)

[bhutjoe]

Hi, this photo (original size and a cropped version attached) was taken on Aug 16, 2022 at about 5:30 pm just beside the harbour in Grundarfjörður, Vesturland province, Iceland. I had been taking a few photos of Glaucous gulls and wanted to practice taking some flight shots. Practice needed as this is the only one that actually had a bird in it
Anyways, it certainly does not look like a Glaucous gull. The closest id I can get to is a Sabine's gull, based on the bit of wing pattern I can see and the black head. The yellow bill, if that is in fact what it is, would suggest it is not that either I believe. After puzzling over it a bit I am now asking for help in making an identification, or at least some ideas as to possibilities so as to somewhat sate my curiosity. According to ebird records Sabine is possible though very uncommon in August there.
thank you in advance
steve

 

[andrew_s]

Not a gull at all, but an Oystercatcher

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

It's an Oystercatcher (check the long red bill) but looks a bit pale - maybe just some bleaching but could be leucistic.

 

[bhutjoe]

Thank you Andrew and Andrew, your id very much appreciated. I have seen them on the west coast of Canada but not the european species so doubly appreciated.
steve

 

[Butty]

looks a bit pale

Normal bird, overexposed photo (no offence).

 

[bhutjoe]

none taken that would help explain the yellow bill then
thanks
steve

 

[Butty]

yellow bill

Pink in the photo,

red

in reality.

 

[bhutjoe]

Thank you for that Butty. I just learned my ability to discern colours is somewhat compromised as I do not see it as pink but clearly as yellow. Goes to show I should be careful about relying on colours and should focus on patterns and structures I guess.
thanks for that
steve