Mediterranean Gull E 99V adult, January 03 2002, Le Portel /Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,1.34E).

A ringed adult from the Netherlands: left white E 99V, ringed May 29 1997 as a pullus in the Netherlands (51.42N,4.22E) and only recorded twice, both times at Le Portel: January 04 2000 and January 03 2002.
From late summer to September, a complete moult takes place, bringing birds into so-called "adult winter" plumage. The head pattern in wintering bird resembles "first winter plumage" after finishing the complete moult: a blackish mask behind the eye. In this individual the head pattern is remarkable extensive. The mantle, scapulars, tertials and all the wing-coverts have been replaced for plain pearl-grey feathers. 
The secondaries are completely white. The new adult primaries are shiny pearly-grey, flashing white at a distance. There is a black line along the outer-web of P10 (and sometimes on P9 as well). Secondaries, under-wing and tail are completely white. The bare part coloration: Iris brown, orbital ring red or orangey-red, the bill red or orangey-red with a black bill-band (and a yellowish tip) and the legs dull reddish or dark.

Below: left white E 99V, together with a 3cy.