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Oiled birds
If you find an oiled bird alive, do not attempt to clean it yourself. It is a very specialised job and you may well do more harm than good.
Carefully place the bird in a well-ventilated cardboard box, keep it warm and consult the RSPCA/SSPCA (see links on the right of this page), or a veterinary surgeon.
Oil is particularly toxic to the bird if it ingests any of it, which easily happens when it is trying to preen off the oil. Because of this, oiled birds should be taken to an appropriate cleaning station as a matter of urgency.
When large numbers of birds, dead or alive, are coming ashore, the Coastguard, RSPCA/SSPCA/USPCA or the RSPB should be informed as soon as possible.
Last modified: 05 November 2009
The RSPB does not run bird hospitals or a rescue service. The RSPCA (England and Wales), SSPCA (Scotland) and USPCA (Northern Ireland) are the national charities that help and advise on sick and injured birds and animals. Tiggywinkles and The Swan Sanctuary also take in wild birds in need of care.