Caspian Gull?

[JanJ]

Hi,
This gull was taken by Ola Marklund in Trelleborg SW Sweden on the 27.3 2020. It was discussed on FB and everything from Caspian Gull, Herring and even Mongolian Gull was considered. I myself had some Mongolian thoughts due to the scapular pattern, pale greater coverts and the tail pattern, no pic of the tail from above though. On the other hand the freshness of the plumage probably does not suggest Mongolian at this time of year, so, a somewhat odd Caspian Gull or a Herring would be my guess.
Any ideas?

Jan

[marsmuusse]

Hi Jan,

A bird with such strikingly pale inner primaries would not make me think of cachinnans as a good candidate. Not at all a "Venetian blind" effect as one would wish to see. Though, I can see why ID went that way, as the white head is very obvious. However, many 2CY Herring Gull at my local patch start to develop very pale heads. If the images were taken near Hong Kong or anywhere in the far east, I can imagine the hard time we would have to exclude Herring Gull, but here in Europe I would go for the most obvious candidate: Herring Gull.

[JanJ]

Thanks Mars!
Just a note on the white head, I don't think that was an issue among the comments on FB. As you suggest, Herring would be the better option.
Jan