Crossword Genius

Either a lark or a gull in springtime? (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

april fool

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'either a lark' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'a gull in springtime?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'gull' could be 'fool' (synonyms) and 'fool' is found in the answer.
'springtime?' could be 'april' (I've seen this before) and 'april' is found in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'or' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for april fool that I've seen before include "Victim of hoax in springtime" , "Seasonal victim" , "Spring hoax victim" , "Victim of practical joke at start of a month" , "12 [POISSON DAVRIL]" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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