Ospreys are large, fish eating birds of prey that build huge nests of sticks on top of tall pine trees. Loss, because of human persecution, lead to their extinction from mainland U.K. at the start of the 20th century. Pervasive hunting as well as the long misunderstood effects of pesticides (like DDT) has hindered their reintroduction effort.

The new chick marks progress toward the energetic re-colonisation programme, which oversaw the first successful chick hatching 50 years ago. The Ospreys live in the Abernethy Forest Reserve and are part of a now significant population there. The abundant pine forests and lakes of the Scottish Highlands is preferred habitat.

There are fewer nest sites in England than in Scotland, and studies show that Ospreys have a particular inclination to return to their fledge sites for breeding. Translocation schemes have moved chicks from Scotland to Rutland Water in a tentative reintroduction attempt that would widen their range. There is also an Osprey population in the Lake District.