This gull (center left, behind the preening Great Black-back) was observed in NJ in January, 1996.  It was smaller than the Herring Gulls, with a longer wing projection.  Plumage seemed to indicate 1 year short of maturity - no white tips or mirrors in wingtip, some brown remaining in wing coverts.   The mantle appeared somewhat darker than the Herring Gulls, lighter than a Lesser Black-back in the vicinity.  Bill was a sort of sick fleshy gray color with a black tip, legs were dull fleshy color..  Light brown streaking covered the entire head, with a darker patch around eye.  Eye appeared dark but lighting could have been a factor. Any ideas?