Vega surrounded by 4 Ring-billed Gulls (the rear gull might be a California; if it is, then its head-on aspect makes its mantle appear paler), The side-on views of the Vega and the 2 Ring-billed Gulls on either side make for a good comparison. Vega is much darker. Remember, American Herring Gull matches Ring-billed Gull in mantle shade.