Matt Collis

Naturalist, Wildlife Guide, Consultant Ecologist, BTO Trainer, Devonian. Owner of @devon_wildtours Reconnecting people with nature

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@acethecurious Best of luck x

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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.

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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!! 🤯

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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!!

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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.

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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!

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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.

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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 😂

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

@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.

[Matt Collis @MattCollis9]

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