Matt Collis

That terrifying moment you announce to the world that you've gone for it despite all the self doubt and fear. Thanks for all the support in advance for @devon_wildtours

Two adorable Stock Dove chicks dozing on a warm May day 💤 ☀️

Little Bittern @ Exminster Marshes. Hour after first report, it stalked into full view for the few early arrived local birders. What a corker! Showed on & off there after. @RSPBExeEstuary @DevonBirds

@acethecurious Best of luck x

I've got an exam tomorrow afternoon. (First one in 8 yrs!) A little emotional thinking about all those who've supported me & loved me, helping me to get to the point where I'm taking an exam at Cambridge Uni. So much gratitude ♥️ Pls send good vibes if you have any to spare!

We finished the trip off with a nice day around the Mendips with the male Long-tailed Duck the star bird along with Scaup, Marsh Harrier, Goldeneye, Med Gull & Green Woodpecker.

Somerset Levels delivered some great sightings of Glossy Ibis, American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Cattle Egret, Bittern & probably one of the best sightings of Merlin.

Great combo tour of Forest of Dean & Somerset Levels last week for @naturetrektours. Started well with Hawfinch, Goshawk, Peregrine, Redpoll, Crossbill, Goosander & Wild Boar

@BristolWater why have you told these contractors to rotavate EVERY anthill in this meadow at Barrow Gurney Reservoirs?! They told me you believe it’s threatens the reservoir bank. Seriously?!!! Please someone help stop the madness!! 🤯

@BristolWater why have you instructed these contractors to rotavate EVERY ant hill on this meadow!! They told me its because it’s impacts the integrity of the reservoir bank. Seriously? Please someone help stop this madness!!

@Bombora_ @clsilvers @powderhamcastle @HRH_EarlOfDevon Really informative thank you. Listeria rings a bell too so I’ll have a read.

@MattCollis9 @clsilvers @powderhamcastle @HRH_EarlOfDevon I can’t speak for Powderham but a hay/silage meadow can be ruined by the mower and binder picking up mole hill spoils before wrapping; listeria plus other bacteria can contaminate the winter feed. He may have experienced leg injuries to his sheep and fallow also.

Shocked to see staff of @powderhamcastle setting (deadly) Mole traps today. When approached, they told me it was on instruction of @HRH_EarlOfDevon who doesn’t like moles ruining grass & thinks it threatens health of sheep….bizarre, disappointing and archaic. #Devon

@Bombora_ @clsilvers @powderhamcastle @HRH_EarlOfDevon Hi Bob, I come in peace. Appears you’re a sheep farmer, if so, do you know what risk to sheep the Earl might be referring to? Worker said something about virus/bacteria in soil getting onto grass which sheep then eat. He claimed it was common…I was bemused but happy to learn.

@clsilvers @MattCollis9 @powderhamcastle @HRH_EarlOfDevon He could probably teach you a thing or two Claire

@TimWorfolk @naturetrektours Yes it was! Thanks again for checking we were on the pipit.

@MattCollis9 @naturetrektours Wondering if it was you and your group I encountered on the lane by BGM hide Friday am watching the Water Pipit?

An excellent three days home guiding around River Exe & Torbay. Super flocks of much-loved Avocet with additional charmers like Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Black-necked Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Cirl Bunting, Firecrest, Stoats, Common Dolphin & more. @naturetrektours

@WildlifePhelps @naturetrektours It is Burrow Mump but had no idea that area was known as Southlake 😂 thanks for the education. It’s the most flooded I’ve seen it over the years!

@MattCollis9 @naturetrektours Your photo is taken from Burrow Mump isn't it? If so, you're looking over Southlake SSSI. It's deliberately flooded in the winter to provide conditions for wintering birds.

Bittern, White-fronted Goose, Firecrest, Crane, Merlin, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon & a Starling Murmuration. Busy day on the Somerset Levels for @naturetrektours

@WildlifePhelps @naturetrektours All good thanks Simon 👍 I assume you mean Greylake? (Only southlake I can think of is Slimbridge…) If so, lots of Snipe but frozen over so most birds have abandoned it.

@MattCollis9 @naturetrektours Hope all is well with you. See much at Southlake?

@James__Shooter @JuliaShahin Worth knowing that, despite many peoples perceptions, a performance is not always guaranteed. Sometimes they just fly in and land fairly quickly. However, it’s been good this season. Last season was dreadful 😂

@James__Shooter Hi James, a spectacular virtual starling murmuration for you.

@ExeDave @naturetrektours Similar thing seemed to happen on the Levels after the cold snap. I guess it makes it impossible to feed and so they move on. Less impact on the coast maybe. Be interesting to see if numbers return to either.

@MattCollis9 @naturetrektours There were over 200 around the east side of the Exe in Devon this autumn/early winter and still over 100 until mid-Dec, but most seemed to move away during the cold snap and only 40 odd remain now.

Starling Murmurations have been excellent this season & tonight no exception. Spot the Peregrine. Other sights included Garganey (M&F), American Wigeon, Cattle Egret (just 1 - where they all gone?), Goosander & Cranes. Somerset Levels for @naturetrektours