Oil-
Dead sea birds caked in oil are being washed ashore along the Western Isles coastline.
Around a dozen oil-
They are turning up on beaches and shores along a hundred mile stretch on the Atlantic coast from South Uist to Lewis. One recovered alive is presently undergoing treatment.
Coastguards say there are no reports of oil spills at sea and a search by shore-
Sandy MacDonald of the Outer Hebrides branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) urged islanders to keep an eye out of oiled birds on the shoreline.
She said: "A number of oiled seabirds have been washed ashore throughout the Outer Hebrides over the past few days.
"As yet we do not know what has caused this oil pollution or when or where it happened
but affected birds have been found from the west coast of Lewis down to Eriskay.
"If
found in time live birds can be successfully cleaned and treated before being returned
to the wild."
The BDMLR, which is monitoring wind and tidal directions, also wants people to report dead birds so they can attempt to assess the extent of the problem.
Ms Macdonald said: "We would like people to keep an eye out. These birds could be absolutely anywhere. We don't know what cause this but it is covering a large area."
She said oil destroyed waterproofing of feathers and exposed an affected bird's skin to the cold which risks hypothermia followed by death. Preening its contaminated feathers leds to the bird ingesting oil and subsequently dying.
Ms Macdonald stressed: "We would like to ask that anyone using any of the coasts and beaches throughout the islands keeps an look out for any birds, or other wildlife, they feel may be affected by oil and if any are seen please contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on their Marine Wildlife Strandings Hotline 01825 765546 or the out of hours number on 07787 433412.
"We are also interested in hearing of any dead birds found with oil on them as this may help us find others that are still alive."
Guillemots are often found feeding in large numbers at a distance from land. Other species, such as gannets, which also dive under the water surface may also be at risk. Badly polluted birds quickly lose their buoyancy and the ability to fly and are at the mercy of the elements and predators.
Strong westerly winds and swell are likely to have pushed the affected birds onshore.
The first dead fowl was lying on a beach in Benbecula on New Year's Day. Since then there has been regular reports of single birds being found on various shores.
Some have been located by Husinish, Harris. Another was picked up in Sound of Harris.