Countryfile presenter Hamza Yassin was left stunned after an unexpected encounter with a rare bird while filming the BBC show. On Sunday evening, July 5, 2026, the much-loved BBC One nature show aired on BBC Two, with presenter Anita Rani visiting England's east coast to explore wildlife, landscapes, and communities adapting to life on the edge of the sea.
Hamza Yassin's Historic Bird Release
Hamza Yassin helped make history after releasing a rare bird back into the wild. He visited a bird sanctuary on Coquet Island, off the coast of Northumberland, a dedicated wildlife sanctuary managed by the RSPB. The island is home to 40,000 seabirds during the breeding season, including puffins, Common, Sandwich, and Arctic terns, and is the UK's only breeding colony of the rare Roseate tern.
During a winter visit, when birds had left for warmer climates, Hamza accompanied site manager Stephen Westerberg. Stephen caught a woodlark in a mist net, a fine-mesh net placed around the island to safely catch birds flying over. Hamza noted the woodlark may have travelled from as far as Scandinavia.
Rare Sighting in Northumberland
Stephen Westerberg announced, "There's only eight Northumberland records in the last 30 years. This is potentially the first woodlark ringed in Northumberland." Hamza reacted, "That's pretty cool," adding, "Just landing on the island in itself is a privilege. To end it with a woodlark," as he mimicked a chef's kiss gesture.
Hamza said, "I've seen them in the wild, but I've not really captured them on camera. So, to have one in my hand and for all of us to be geeking out about this, it's pretty exciting." He was then tasked with the "honour" of releasing the bird back into the wild under Stephen's guidance.
Privilege of Releasing the Woodlark
Hamza announced, "This is such a privilege to be able to release this woodlark. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity, guys." He set the bird free before proudly exclaiming, "How cool is that?" and letting out a slight laugh.
Countryfile normally airs on Sundays on BBC One and iPlayer.
