Members of the public are being warned about handling distressed birds on the south coast, including Dorset.
During the past 24 hours, a number of live birds have washed up on beaches covered in an unknown substance.
Staff from the RSPB, RSPCA and Dorset Wildlife Trust have been working to take the birds into care and clean them up ready to be released into the wild.
While the substance is being identified, agencies are urging people to avoid coming into contact with the birds and to keep pets away from the shoreline.
If anyone spots an affected bird or animal, they should report it to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Photos © Marc Smith, Dorset Wildlife Trust
