© A. R. Dean

A 'first-winter Caspian Gull' photographed in fading light in the gull roost at Coton Lakes, Warwickshire. Despite failing light, the photos show most of the characteristic features. Note (a) distinctive profile to head and bill, with somewhat 'snouted' appearance resulting from extended loral feathering and parallel-sided bill, which has rather long and pointed tip; (b) relatively clean, whitish head with streaking confined to lower, rear of neck, creating a shawl; (c) mantle and scapulars grey, with neat internal anchor marks, in fresh plumage creating a somewhat chequered appearance; (d) solidly dark base to tertials with neat white crescents confined to tips. When viewed in isolation (top photo) the rather delicate structure of Caspian Gull, especially head and bill, can give impression that the bird is smaller overall than is in fact the case. The lower photo shows true size in comparison with a Lesser Black-back. For comparative photos of a slightly older 1W, taken in better light, see photos of Frankley individual.