michahellis or hybrid?

[Tim Worfolk]

Not entirely convincing as michahellis, I think; legs dull yellow and black band on P5 thin or maybe I'm being too suspicious? Either way it seems to be paired with a female argenteus. Opinions?

Devon, England 7/3/2014

[marsmuusse]

Hi Tim,
I wouldn't call this thin black on P5, its quite convincing isn't it? Also upperpart seems to be a good shade darker than surrounding birds, and especially black on P8 is quite extensive and in line with michahellis. Yet there is a funky long grey innerweb on leftside P10, not?!

[Tim Worfolk]

Hi Mars

Thanks, actually if it's ok as michahellis that's good news - maybe need to be less strict. Interestingly, the funny grey stripe on the left wing matches exactly this bird from last Summer, presumably the same though since moulted - and actually I think it's the outer web of P9 rather than inner of P10.