Fourth YLG for Iceland?

[Ruud Altenburg]

Brynjúlfur Brynjólfsson photographed this bird at Heimaey island (south off Iceland), 06-05-11. I don't see much that would plead against YLG, except maybe that the mantle seems to be on the dark side. Not so much when compared to the graellsii LBBGs but the difference between this bird and the Herring is striking. Maybe an individual from the Canaries or Madeira? I'm asking because this would be just the fourth YLG for Iceland.

[marsmuusse]

If I would see this bird in Holland, I would not be very confident calling this michahellis. I'm struggling with the bird's structure (but it can change drastically with other images) and also regarding grey tone, there seems to be something wrong.

[Ruud Altenburg]

I concur with the grey tone but the head shape is typical michahellis? What would be the alternative?

[Albert de Jong]

The limited and angular mirror on p10 fits better on graellsii?

[JanJ]

As Ruud mentioned, the headshape is typically michahellis like on this not fully adult, and why not michahellis? However, if something 'not quite right' get stuck in your mind, it might prevent you from thinking further, or even see the obvious. Apart from the headshape, why not a pale graellsii. I got stuck with the position of the mirror on p10, rather far from the tip. I can understand the hesitations for a pure michahellis.

JanJ