BBC Countryfile star Hamza Yassin demonstrated the utmost respect for wildlife during the latest episode of the beloved nature show, leading to a remarkable and rare discovery.
A Delicate Operation at Loch Affric
In the episode aired on Sunday, 4th January 2026, Yassin explored the breathtaking landscape of Loch Affric in the Scottish Highlands. His mission was to capture footage of migrating ospreys, a task requiring immense patience and caution.
Positioning himself over a kilometre away from the birds' nest, Hamza explained the necessary protocol to viewers. He emphasised that while much of Glen Affric's wildlife is accessible, a safe and discreet distance must be kept from osprey nests for their protection.
"We're well over a kilometre away, so we're not disturbing them," he stated, highlighting that filming these birds requires not only a special licence but also a deep respect for the animals themselves. The presenter stressed the importance of reading the bird's behaviour to ensure it is comfortable with any human presence in its territory.
The Challenge of Distance and a Key Admission
Even with a powerful telephoto lens, Hamza admitted the technical difficulties. The extreme distance, combined with heat haze, made capturing pristine images a significant challenge.
He made a telling confession about his professional desires versus his ethical priorities: "Ideally I'd want to be a lot closer, but if I'm a lot closer I'm going to be disturbing these birds and that's the last thing I want to be doing."
He contrasted his own limited view with the osprey's extraordinary eyesight, noting the birds can spot fish in a loch from up to 40 metres in the air.
The Stunning Discovery of a New Chick
Hamza's respectful patience was ultimately rewarded with stunning footage of the birds in flight. However, the real breakthrough came when he observed the female osprey's behaviour closely through his lens.
"Hang on a minute!" he exclaimed. "I can officially say that this pair of ospreys have got a very young chick. So young that you can't even see the chick poking its head up."
He identified the crucial evidence: the female was carefully picking bits of food from a fish and feeding it to something hidden in the nest. "That is awesome," the delighted presenter concluded, having made a privileged observation without ever intruding on the vulnerable family.
The episode, which showcased the vital roles of nature in Glen Affric, aired on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer. Countryfile continues to broadcast every Sunday at 6pm.
