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Larus argentatus

Above: 2nd winter/2nd calendar year (Essex, 31 December 2011)

The bird on the left is similar in appearance to many first winter Yellow-legged Gulls at this time of year, with active moult in the wing coverts. But note the (paleish) grey saddle and rather weak body and bill structure. The strong anchor markings in the greater coverts are also reminiscent of Yellow-legged Gull.

Compare the plumage and moult with this Yellow-legged Gull taken at the same site within minutes of this photograph.