Presumed Herring Gull (Larus argentatus vegae) 9 February 2019. Choshi--Choshi Port, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Here are two first cycle presumed Vega Gulls which stand out as different among my photos. The first is strikingly more contrasting but pattern resembles typical birds although with less dark on the greater coverts and mantle. The second is a dark extreme with the mantle feathers almost completely filled in and more extensive dark markings on its wing coverts. Structurally both are similar. Are these within normal range for first cycle Vega?
Here are two first cycle presumed Vega Gulls which stand out as different among my photos. The first is strikingly more contrasting but pattern resembles typical birds although with less dark on the greater coverts and mantle. The second is a dark extreme with the mantle feathers almost completely filled in and more extensive dark markings on its wing coverts. Structurally both are similar. Are these within normal range for first cycle Vega?