If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve probably come across some surprising sights, sounds, and even smells during your adventures. I know I certainly have! For the past few years, I’ve made it a habit to hit the local trails near my home at least two or three times a week. In doing so, I’ve encountered plenty of the unexpected—let me tell you, nature never disappoints.

But even with all those strange encounters, I’ve never witnessed anything quite as bizarre as what one hiker in Peterborough, UK, stumbled upon recently. His discovery is the kind of thing that would make anyone stop in their tracks.

While hiking along the ridge of a hollow, this man cleared a tree line and found himself facing what looked like hundreds of tennis balls scattered across the forest floor. The bright colors were a stark contrast to the natural landscape, so naturally, the hiker decided to investigate.

But as he got closer, he realized that what appeared to be tennis balls were actually living creatures!

To his astonishment, what he had found were dozens of baby chicks—newly hatched and no more than a day old. It was a sight that must’ve left him speechless.

Sadly, it became clear that the chicks had been abandoned, most likely left behind by someone who had no intention of seeing them survive. The general online consensus was that whoever had left them there assumed the birds would perish without anyone finding them.

Fortunately, the authorities were soon notified, and the chicks were rescued. They were carefully loaded into crates and taken to safety, where they could receive the care they needed.