Concerned locals have spotted oil flowing through the Water of Leith - and it's now reaching new bird nests full of chicks.
The oil slick was spotted up by the Quilts in Leith by Great Junction Bridge and volunteers from Friends of Water of Leith Basin (FOWL.b) suspect it could be coming from a burst pipe.
In images shared online, a shiny coating can be seen sitting on top of the water. Locals have warned that the stretch of oil has made its way from the Quilts down to The Shore day where birds are nesting with eggs and chicks.
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Members of FOWL.b have been clearing wood from the water over the last couple of days as swans are taking care of their nests and new chicks, but as of Monday, the oily sheen has made its way to the birds. They also warn that swans especially, more than other water birds, get contaminated by it.
According to the RSPB: "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."
The volunteers, dedicated to maintaining the river, are trying to pinpoint where this oil is coming from and are urging locals to report it if they see it. Last week (May 2), oil was also seen in the water at Coalie Park.
In a Facebook post they added: "Please help us to get to the bottom of the recurring oil slicks. Seen arriving on the right at the Coalie Park moorhen's nest on Sunday, then swirling around it 6pm. Spotted earlier by a resident at Sheriff Bank on Sunday at 11am."
SEPA have been contacted for comment.
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