Food poisoning could be the cause of several birds dying in a Somerset village, the RSPB believes.
One resident reported finding eight dead birds in her garden in 10 days
Several residents in Winscombe have reported finding dead or dying blue tits in their gardens.
The RSPCA believes an outbreak of salmonella resulting from poor hygiene could be responsible.
Regional spokesman Peter Exley urged bird lovers to remove all old seed and disinfect bird tables in an attempt to tackle the infection.
"This is clearly an outbreak of something like salmonella," he said.
"The birds are fluffed up, listless and easy to approach.
"These are infections which come down to hygiene, the illness can be spread from table to table or nut feeders."