Wildlife Photography: Otters on the Isle of Mull

[@StéphaneROSENBLATT-d7r]

Bonjour, super la vidéo ! Belles photos ! Je pars sur Mull en Mai, j'espère en voir. Cordialement, Stéphane

[@Nyctophora]

Wonderful - thank you for sharing the otters and your positivity!

[@MattGouldphotography]

No problem, thank you for watching :)

[@louiseingram22]

I am really enjoying your videos Matt - I'm originally from Bristol and that is how I first came upon your trips to Leigh Woods. Here in Ontario we have Osprey nests on hydro poles. The village I live in put one up in 2010 I believe. 2019 saw the first year that it was used. Ospreys declined in the 50's and 60's due to pesticides and they have also struggled with a loss of habitat. There are many nests in the area perched atop hydro poles and it's wonderful to see these impressive birds return each spring to raise the year's chicks. Thank you for bringing more awareness to wildlife issues with your beautiful videos!

[@Derbyshire_bird_tours]

Well worth the wait Matt, really glad things worked out.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Stewart! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@SimonWattsWILDPresentationsUK]

Just had a read of all the positive conservation experiences and stories in all the comments - superb, great suggestion, TELL ME SOMETHING POSITIVE! 🤐 Well firstly that was a cracking good watch, it's almost as good to experience someone else's joy from intimate moments with wildlife as it is to have them myself and there was bucket loads of that. Otters were always an enigma with me but that changed about 10yrs ago and now I've 'got my eye in' I've been privilaged with a few stunning encounters. One woke me up when wild sleeping on the west coast (breezy night, v.mild, thought better than put a tent up) by eating a crab 10yds from my head. The conservation success story I'd most tally myself to would be the WTE'S on the Isle of Wight. Ian, my friend, is the guy that collects the chicks from Scotland to re-locate with Roy Dennis so I get first hand experiences (and all the emotion) every June when the next batch are sited. Eagles on the south coast - possibly even nesting in Dorset/New Forest. Stunning. As for the car thing, I concur with Geoff Cooper, get a big-assed car. I swear by second-hand Picasso's. Very comfy 😁 Fab, be safe, take care, Si.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Simon! Hope you're well. Thank you for the kind words first of all. And I am glad I am not the only one to have found Otters to be a bit of an enigma! Also, super envious of your experiences with WTE's, that is a true success story in the world of conservation and the most exciting bit is there is still so much more to happen in that story! And yes I definitely want a bigger car, but as always its a case of money at the moment :D. I have time still though :). Thanks again for watching!

[@ChrisKaula]

I really enjoyed this video! Great cutting and beautiful photos!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thanks fella! Congratulations again on the win. As soon as is safe I will come visit for this collab we keep talking about 😁

[@ChrisKaula]

@@MattGouldphotography We will make it happen!

[@claireandtimwest3480]

Great story telling film. Watching Red Kites most days over Goodwood as I drive into work. Must be a good conservation success.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers you two! Glad to hear you are getting more red kites down that way now. Also, Tim, it's worth checking out the mystery link in the description, I think it is a project you would be super interested in :)

[@peteaustin8056]

Fantastic footage and photos . Its been a while since I watched your KZbin stuff , Matt, but my goodness you have upped your game.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Pete! Really appreciate that, especially you saying you can see an improvement. Hopefully that improvement will increase even more in 2022 :).

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

Otters are very cool. Only saw a pair in the wild once. Got distant shots. Nice photos there Matt.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you :)

[@trondwestby]

Wow Matt! This was awesome. Love the video....keep them coming 👍

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Trond! Really appreciate it! Chuffed to see you flying at the moment! We need to sort out a collab of some sort at some point in the future :). Thanks for watching mate :)

[@selkie72]

Great video Matt. You should make a trip north to Shetland when it's possible to do so. Numerous Otter sightings so far this year and an amazing Orca encounter on the 2nd of January. Orca sightings are getting more regular throughout the year.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Ryan! Shetland is 100% on my list of places to visit. Though its a little pricey to get there so that may still be a year or two away unfortunately. Ocra are a massive one on my bucket list as well, stunning animals!

[@krisceuppens5273]

Another beautiful, fun video Matt!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Kris! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thehallofeinar1072]

Yet another entertaining and interesting video. Thanks Matt.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Glad you think that Einar! Really appreciate it :).

[@annabelleimlah]

Thank you so much for sharing. We loved your positive message of hope and recognition that as awareness & appreciation grows life will keep getting better for our native wildlife and more balance for our ecosystems. So amazing for you to see otters in the wild!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good Day Jules! Thank you so much for the kind words, really appreciate it and I am glad you agree with the sentiment :). Thanks for watching!

[@wildlifewitholly]

Amazing footage and photos!! Whole thing was a great watch!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Olly! Really appreciate it and I am glad you liked it :)

[@UKSTAGROSCO]

New subscriber Great to watch and love the enthusiasm 👍🦦I also have that passion for wildlife and otters 🦦 I’m currently on a project to film river otters 🦦

[@faerphoto]

Hi Matt. Great video, as always. Seems like it was an amazing experience. Not sure I could have done it, being that soaking wet. :) The only conservation successstory I can thimk of is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone. I remember when it first happened. I was so excited that I might one day see a wolf in the wild if I ever visited the park. Today, there are several packs in the park, all doing well, and not only are they thriving, but they've helped transform the rest of the wildlife and even the landscape to some extent. Everything is much healthier and doing really well. I still haven't had the pleasure of seeing them, but I will one day. :) Cheers from Maine, USA. :) Paula

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Paula! Thank you for your lovely comment. And ah yes, the Yellowstone wolves are one of the best global good news stories in my opinion and a great example of how every species in an ecosystem is important (I believe the wolves in Yellowstone are keystone species). Hopefully one day you will get to see one! They are definitely on my bucket list as well 😁. Thanks again!

[@andyswinden2048]

Excellent video ! Have spent MANY hours on that stretch of coast, its a wonderful area.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Andy! I envy you having spent many hours there, I aim to spend many there myself over the years with any luck. Thank you for watching and for the kind words :)

[@trevorcooper5876]

Another great episode from you . One of the still photos was so low you must have been laying in the water? The Kite and Buzzard are a common site in Cambridgeshire . Two weeks ago saw a Osprey sitting on a fence post near Huntingdon on a slip road off the bypass it was not fazed by the traffic so could have stopped but of course no camera with me , must make a point to keep it with me in future. Cheers Matt look forward to your next one.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Trevor! Thank you! I have never seen (confirmed sighting anyway) an osprey in England, so thats great to hear you have. And to be honest, I think wildlife knows if you have a camera with you. I reckon if you did, then you wouldn't have seen it :D. Thanks for watching :)

[@jimflinn8305]

Fabulous film and great shots Matt. Well done all of you 👍

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Jim! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@kenwashburn2276]

A lifetime experience shared with friends. Best video ever! This is why I love nature photography. Thanks so much for your hard work!

[@MattGouldphotography]

HI Ken, thank you for the lovely comment, so chuffed to hear you enjoyed sharing in the experience!

[@andrewmorrison-blake9167]

What an utterly inspiring and uplifting video....thank you so much

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Andrew! Really glad you liked it :)

[@LucyTeixeiraFotografia]

Great vlog. I love wilddlife photography.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Aw thank you! Much appreciated! And glad to hear you share the passion/ addiction :D

[@GeoffCooper]

Great stuff Matt - glad you got to see the otter, and what a fantastic encounter it was! You asked for positive conservation stories and you actually mentioned one of my favourites, the reintroduction of beavers :) It’s really great being able to see this reintroduced species doing so well here in the west of Scotland! Oh, and the sleeping in your car because of the lovely weather thing... I can totally relate and it’s literally the reason I have an estate car!!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Geoff! Glad the reintroduction of beavers is one of your favorites, they are an incredible keystone species and I can't wait to see them back across the UK so I completely agree :). Hahahahah Yeah, I would upgrade to a James level car if I had the choice for sure :D.

[@lisamarie7527]

Just fantastic!! Really enjoy following your experiences Matt!! And you captured some beautiful images. Cheers

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Lisa!!! Thank you for keeping watching! Hopefully lots more to come :)

[@CamillaI]

Wonderful location the Isle of Mull typical Scottish weather awesome encounter lovely footage and stills!👍👍😍

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you!!!!!!! And yes, we were as prepared as we could be for the Scottish weather but it still nearly beat us (ferry wise) and thank you for the kind words :)

[@imposter3205]

Absolutely gorgeous. You deserve so many more subscribers than you have, and this kind of photography/videography is what I aspire to! Best wishes to you all.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Imposter! Aw thank you so much! Thats incredibly nice of you to say :D. Thank you for watching and for your lovely comment!

[@jochenlambrechts9725]

I visited Scotland this summer and had a wonderful time though found it very hard to spot wildlife, especially otters. Watching this video inspired me loads and I will some day go back there. Great stuff!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Jochen Sorry to hear your last trip to Scotland was unfruitful, but glad to hear that hasn't put you off :). Thanks for watching! :)

[@michellestewart7494]

I was wondering where you went ...I looked you up and there has been posts ... awesome going to catch up

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Michelle! Glad you found the videos! If you don't want to miss them you can hit the little bell icon in the corner next to the video and you will be notified when I post :)

[@Distinctly.Average]

Fantastic video this one. The joy of seeing an otter really shines through and is exactly how I feel every time I see one.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Phill! Thank you! And yes, can't hide joy like that :D. Glad you share it! Thanks for watching :)

[@Rudy60426]

amazingly beautiful video Matt, I am a little jealous of it, yet beautiful.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Rudy! Glad you enjoyed it, sorry if it left you a little jealous! Thank you for watching :)

[@Rudy60426]

Always Matt, never cease to amaze me, I enjoy your videos and I am sure that you are so passionate. Of course also the beautiful surroundings, nature and wildlife in the UK and I can enjoy that as an Anglophile.

[@andybone]

very well said and what an incredible video, congratulations matt

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Andy!!! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@CollisionTV]

this guy is super underrated man :(

[@MattGouldphotography]

Wow thank you, thats super kind of you to say :)

[@joelireland876]

Absolutely incredible! Such an inspirational video. I've been wanting to go to Mull for a long time, think I will book a holiday there now! My positive conservation story would definitely be the reintroduction of Red Kites to Yorkshire as I live in Leeds, just a few miles from where the original reintroduction took place. I am now lucky enough to see these fantastic birds on a daily basis.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Aw thank you Joel, super chuffed you found it inspirational! You should definitely make the trip! Oh wow, close to a very important historical location in the world of conservation then! Thats really cool! I would love to see them on a daily basis, though given their spread, maybe it could happen one day soon :). Thanks for watching!

[@GregSheard]

Fab video Matt and what an amazing experience under awful weather conditions. Every moment with nature is precious.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Greg! And I completely agree! Cheers for watching!

[@ZaberAnsaryOfficial]

10:25 what bird is that? Not Ruddy Turnstone non br are they? and Gorgeous White-tailed Eagle at then end 10:56 😁😁

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya, yeah its a Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) they are all over British coasts. And yeah, expert work from Same oaks (links in description) Thank you for watching :)

[@kylepower8675]

So cool. Glad you got your shots, thanks for sharing!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Kyle, and thank you for watching :)

[@kartherton]

Hi Matt. You did say about mentioning any successful conservation project. I live in the centre of Norfolk UK. Within 2 miles of my home is the Pensthorpe nature park. They have done so much for conservation it’s unbelievable. Pensthorpe nature park is well worth a visit if you ever come to Norfolk. Bring all of your camera gear because you’re gonna need it. You will need to be there all day as it’s a very large park. Good footwear is essential.

[@willjw93]

Epic vid Matt 👌🏾 bloody pleased you saw (and photographed) one!!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, thanks mate, glad you can be happy for me ;). We should go together next time :D. Thanks for watching!

[@hanscools1976]

This is wildlife , very nice !

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Hans!

[@thisisme1999]

That was wonderful, so glad it was not me in the cold and wind but that experience must have been worth it. In British Columbia we have both River Otters and Sea Otters. The Sea Otters were pretty much wiped out by hunting but fortunately they were helped when other Sea Otters were brought in from Alaska and slowly they are spreading down the coast again. River Otters are much more common and I usually stumble across them a couple time a year. The best case was a family of five one summer morning and they were playing and knocking each other into the water and hunting. I can certainly understand your happiness at seeing them and your willingness to travel so far to see them and thank you for sharing your journey!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Nick, thank you for your lovely comment 😊! I had no idea your river otters were so common. As for sea otters, well they are definitely on the list for sure 😁👍. Maybe one day. Thank you for the kind words and for watching 😊

[@BosePhotography]

This was truly exceptional Matt, what a rollercoaster! So glad you made it to Mull in the end, and it was clearly totally worth it! The message at the end of the video was superb as well, great work! We were lucky enough to see otters ourselves on our recent trip, unbelievably seeing a pair within an hour of arriving in Skye! Hannah then had a day on her own where she spent a couple of hours with a female. It really is amazing to see them doing so well at the moment, and definitely a positive to focus on despite all the gloomy things going on in the world at the moment! S.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Sam, chuffed you enjoyed the video and that you two got to see them for yourself! Yeah I think that it is important to remember how far we have come as we push for better. Thanks for dropping by 😊

[@itztom3665]

Superb pal, absolutely amazing video,loved every second of it. Made up you got to see a wild otter, in it's own environment, just doing what otters do. A truly amazing experience for you. And the message at the end of the video, beautifully put.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Ric, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah it was truly magical to see one so relaxed. Glad you enjoyed the conclusion as well :). Cheers for watching as always :)

[@itztom3665]

Look forward to your next adventure. Always leave us wanting more 👌.

[@johndominick3815]

So jealous! Really enjoyed this Matt, one of your best, worth the effort and planning. Totally agree with your sentiments, it’s such a thrill to see so many kites hanging in the wind around here now. Love what we have but still very concerned for the future of it all as well as humanity. Keep the faith.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers mate! Sorry to make you jealous... but not that sorry ;). Ahhhh yes, the planning.... 0_o. I had a hunch the conclusion would be right up your street ;). Glad you agree though. And thanks for the massive compliments mate !

[@waynearchibald3920]

Great video and great pics Matt! 👌

[@LuciaHewitt]

Amazing story Matt! You totally delight and inspire me with your fascinating footage, stuff for laughs and beautiful photographs!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Lucia for your kind words, chuffed you like it 😊. And thank you for watching 👍

[@hrw1973]

very inspiring video... great shots ... thanks for sharing

[@kolapyellow7631]

Beautiful place.

[@MattGouldphotography]

It really was! Thanks for watching :)

[@KGsPhotography]

Wonderful experience Matt thanks for sharing. Love your positive thoughts at the end of the video also. Cheers Keith

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers KG! Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@keithhumphrey7529]

Great video Matt. Well worth braving the elements. Somewhere I would like to visit myself one day. Great to have some positivity in these testing times.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Keith! Glad you appreciate the positivity 😁. And yeah you definitely should visit it for sure 😁👍

[@mcfugle]

Awesome work Matt worth the gamble, im a massive otter fan one of my fav creatures delighted Scotland never disapoints but then again Im scottish !! Keep up the great work

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, I think that although you may be Scottish there is very little reason to accuse you of being biased, it really is an incredible place. Thank you for watching John!

[@adamsmith6594]

Stunning footage Matt and really envy your opertunitues. Clearly lots of networking and organising that goes on behind the scenes to achieve a few minutes of amazing footage. For myself I was lucky enough to see a white tailed sea eagle this year just prior to lock down. I won't mention where but it surprised me. I hope to get an image but research is required to narrow down its range. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Adam, yeah I am very grateful for the opportunities i have. And undoubtedly that comes partly from the things you have mentioned. But I think a big part comes from going all in on wildlife photography in terms of time and money as well, which of course has it's downsides :D. Ahhh thats amazing though! I only got a really distant sighting. They are definitely something high on my list, such majestic animals! Thank you for watching as always, glad the video didn't disappoint

[@meikamartin953]

Amazing lengths you went to ..glad you managed to see the otters! River otters are not nearly as hard to find on Vancouver Island but your video has made me appreciate them even more. A recent conservation achievement : An 87 Hectare area along Ryan River in B.C. was protected by the Nature Conservancy Canada for grizzly bears to have easier crossing through a valley. Fantastic video as always.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Meika! Ha, yeah it did push us in places for sure. I definitely envy your easy access to otter sightings. But I guess its a case of things in our back garden quickly becoming something we take for granted, we all do it. Glad you will appreciate them in a fresh light when you next see them :). And great to hear about that massive area that has become protected! Thanks for sharing!

[@roblunnen1653]

Matt, as always I enjoyed the video and Charlie was just a joy with her and your enthusiasm for the animals. As I live in the States one of favorite encounters with an animal that has made a comeback is the Bald Eagle. As a kid I never thought that I would ever see one in real life, I say my first on when I was in my late 30s from a half mile away when I was visiting my parent in Washington State near Seattle. It was cool. Then I got a close up of a juvenile in my early 50s, It flew over my head about 80ft up, It was a truly magical moment for me. I have learned that they now make there home in almost ever state near large bodies of water and have scene gotten adult pictures.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Rob! I will pass on your comment to Charlie of course :). I have seen clips backing up what you're staying, I would love to see them myself and I am chuffed to hear you are getting to appreciate them, even if it didnt come until you were in your 50s :D. Good things come to those who wait thought right? Cheers for sharing that conservation story :)

[@SkylarkFields]

I know of a river where everyone sees otters - except for me when I go there! (Although I did get a very brief glimpse, just once.) Loved your video and the joy you experienced seeing those lovely little creatures. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattGouldphotography]

HA, this is such a familiar story :D. Mind you, on the positive side of things, when you eventually see them it will mean way more to you and be a much more special moment... At least that's what I tell myself when something keeps giving me the slip :D

[@SkylarkFields]

@@MattGouldphotography I think you are right! :)

[@johannaknowles8569]

Love it 😊👍🏻👌🏻... I so look forward to your videos. Are you doing anymore around the house wildlife videos?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Johanna! That's super lovely of you to say! And interesting to hear you enjoyed the In and Around episodes. I hadn't planned to, but i am moving a couple of times over the next few months so when I end up in a more permanent location I may well have to revisit that now :D. Thank you for watching :).

[@robinhill9439]

Wow Brilliant Stunning, what more can i say.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Robin! Very much appreciated :D

[@paulm8157]

Compelling story telling, segue from part 1, music, stills and footage, Matt! Conservation theme presented in timely and relevant manner, not overbearing. Well done! Glad to see absence of typical “trite” footage of otter floating on its back breaking shellfish on it’s chest(?) using a rock - such overplayed scenes make it look easy to photograph. Admire your stamina going through so little sleep, cold and rain without catching cold (I hope😁). Do you plan on a return trip when weather is better? Cheers!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Paul! That is so nice of you to say. I like to sneak a cheeky bit of conservation in here and there but it seems everywhere these days (which is not a bad thing necessarily) and I'm aware it can be a bit suffocating, so i'm glad you found it to be just the right amount. I think I would definitely return at some point in my life (hopefully :D) but who knows when. Thank you for watching and for the kind words!

[@burstongreye7090]

Best video yet.. Charlie is a wildlife spotting legend 🙌🏾

[@MattGouldphotography]

She really is! Absolute legend 😁. And thanks mate!!!

[@terrywinter8830]

Great video Matt. We spent a wonderful week at your otter location back in September, and this brought back some wonderful memories. Good location for Goldies and White Tails as well btw, and a bellowing stag in our garden. (Subscribed)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Terry! Glad to here this brought back some memories. Sadly I only got distant glimpses of Goldies and White tailes. Thank you for watching :)

[@jonathanfr95]

As always, a beautiful video!! Continue your great work with out and about ☺️

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Jonathan! Really appreciate it! I will of course continue 😁

[@alanwood5590]

Great images and footage Matt. An awesome experience for you!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Alan! It really was :)

[@PinfoldPhotographic]

I visited that exact spot on my birthday last February where I saw an otter, so it may have been the same one! A conservation success story near me was that a pair of common cranes successfully bred for the first time in 400 years, at a reserve not far from my home! Great pictures and I hope to travel back to Mull next summer 😊

[@MattGouldphotography]

Aw glad to hear you got to see the otters as well. And awesome to have those cranes right near you, that was a really big milestone for conservation. Thanks for watching 😊

[@earthminutesuk]

Awesome work Matt!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Earth Minutes! Glad you think so! :)

[@LERAKO]

So much happiness! Thanks for sharing :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Lerako! Really glad to hear you like it :)

[@tonymorrison5023]

This was incredible! One conservation success story in particular for all of my fellow Americans... Bald eagles were on the brink of extinction in continental US due to a pesticide that would prevent eggs from calcifying fully and poisoning adult and young eagles. After banning the pesticide and implementing a few things such as nesting sites and penalties for killing or injuring a bald eagle(10 years in prison or a few tens of thousands of dollars) they are once again in their historic range and numbers with populations still growing rapidly!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Tony, yes I was only told recently about how they were on the brink, I had no idea. Though we had that problem here with organochlorine pesticides making the eggs too thin. Though I can't believe the penalty for wildlife crimes like that! Thats awesome! Do you know how regularly enforced they are? Too often here things like that will have some sort of penalty but its either something people aren't bothered by or that gets ignored. Sadly the UK has a lot to do to catch up still it seems (despite all it's success stories to date of course). Glad to hear thats all worked though and those awesome birds are back to their best :). Thanks for watching and for sharing!

[@tonymorrison5023]

@@MattGouldphotography yeah they are enforced to my knowledge. Bald eagles are the symbol of freedom and America so people see any attack on a bald eagle as an attack on our nations symbol. Some people have been fined $250,000 and gotten 5 years in prison. It’s awesome

[@VideoNatur]

Great video! I think you had a great time - I think it looks so! Best regards, Rolf

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Rolf! Really appreciate it 😊

[@karenbusby9906]

I seriously cannot wait for this! That photo is awesome! :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Glad to hear it 😁👍

[@richstroudwild]

Incredible photos to commemorate an incredible experience, amazing video mate!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Rich! Glad to hear you enjoyed it :)

[@RussellBCaC]

Some great footage and images! We were lucky to have a similar experience in the Outer Hebrides last year, just amazing!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Russell, thank you for your lovely comment, and I'm chuffed to hear you had a similar experience :).

[@stevesvids]

Those are among the very best moments life can offer. 🙂👍 Well done... really enjoyed that. 🙂

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Steve! Glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@hawfcut2394]

I laughed when you said 'In a summer tent'. Rookie mistake up there mate, always take a 3-4 season tent anywhere north of Inverlochy just to be on the same side. Great video, really enjoyed it.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, yeah its not the best to be heading out with. But when you don't have the budget but do have a opportunity to see otters in the wild, you take the risk :D. Thanks for watching! :)

[@hawfcut2394]

@@MattGouldphotography A risk worth taking, video was very well done mate, I'm glad I watched it and I hope to see more.

[@jefffiles9209]

That was quite a journey you did Matt, we drove there from nr Wootton Bassett last year, took ages but well worth it, stunning. You gotta love British wildlife, we never saw an Otter, you were so fortunate and great footage, makes me want to return. Tnt

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, yeah it really was, I managed to do the return journey in one day as well which was fun 0_0. British wildlife really is amazing though I agree. And yes, a bit of luck never hurt anyone ;) Cheers for watching Jeff!

[@benpulletz]

Great video Matt. I really want to go to Mull. Looks amazing for photography. Is photographing your full time job. Selling prints etc?

[@MattGouldphotography]

You definitely should make the trip to Mull for sure! And no, sadly nowhere near :D. I rarely sell a print and I work in a camera shop at the moment :)

[@benpulletz]

@@MattGouldphotography looks so good! Was in Cairngorms 2 weeks ago really beautiful was just annoying waited till last day then eventually saw a red squirrel😂 I am ‘otterly’ ;). , so surprised by that your pictures are sooo good. I think the only way is too make mark is do something different in images that’s what I try but it’s just not easy📸

[@MattGouldphotography]

@@benpulletz Ha, loving the pun there Ben! Showing up at the last minute does tend to be the way wildlife works in my experience :D. No it's really not easy. I guess it comes down to why you do it in the first place. I am happy to do this part time for the rest of my life as long as I get to do it still :)

[@XtraOrdinar-y]

Great footage

[@merkin22]

Thanks for sharing! Have just discovered your channel. Good stuff!! I've been lucky enough to have river (fresh water) otters play in the bow wave (as gentle as it was) of my canoe. My camera nowhere in sight, of course :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Merkin! Very envious of your fresh water otter encounter, incredible animals! And the camera rarely is when things like that happen :D. Thanks for watching!

[@wildaboutbirds71]

absolutely brilliant! Congrats and beautiful images/footage

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed it 😊👍

[@samuelhornemedia]

What a rollercoaster of emotions! Really showed that with that determination and that patch of good weather for traveling you can achieve anything, I loved the photos and videos! Especially the one of it resting on the wooden structure as that is the most unique shot I've actually ever seen as they are always photographed on the seaweed. I loved the conservation recap, gave me a boost of positive energy in these trying times! Keep it up man! Always the best and honest stories! 🙏

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Sam! Yeah I enjoyed the one of it on the beams as well so glad you liked that one :). Even more chuffed to hear you enjoyed the burst of positive energy at the end :). Thank you for watching and for the kind words fella :)

[@Graggs]

Very cool Matt

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Graham! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alex82776]

nice video. Ihave one question: Why some people go to make wildlife photo whith shiny colors like red ?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hahahahah We genuinely didn't think about that until we were in the field, after coming across some more timid wildlife and searching for more otters, we have a swap around of coats and jumpers and solved it. It was just a case of a lot to think about in a few days I think :). Thank you for watching! :)

[@niallbeddydedicatedconserv5198]

Class, really enjoyed this and I have always had an affinity for otters. There’s just something about them, right? Keep it up, I’m learning a lot. Also, love JR’s work. Thumbs up from me.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Niall! Chuffed to hear you enjoyed it! Completely agree, there is something about them that is hard to put your finger on. Thanks for watching :)

[@bearnnature3291]

Love it thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@bensutcliffe3463]

Great video Matt! I saw otters in Scotland when I first started photography and it was the most magical experience. One conservation success story I would really love to see are the Beavers in Devon. Well done again mate 👍

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Ben! Glad you got to see them for yourself! Yeah I may have to do a video on them as they seem to be peoples favorites :D Thanks for watching and for the kind words :)

[@laurarichardson2767]

Mull is the BEST. Great shots and love the positive ending 😁

[@MattGouldphotography]

It so is! I was completely taken by it! Obviously I now have to return :D. Thanks for watching mate :)

[@karenbusby9906]

OMG! So Good!!! That otter is amazing :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Mum :D

[@joostswg]

Any talks about reintroducing the wolf? Since it wont be able to naturally return like it is doing in other parts of western europe

[@MattGouldphotography]

In the UK? I think thats a no go to be honest. I remember being told a long time ago that Scotland (the best choice location wise) was too fragmented by urbanisation, and that it actually wasn't big enough surprisingly. I remember something along the lines of it only being able to hold one, or maybe two packs which would lead to all sorts of problems with the gene pool. However, the Lynx is looking very possible :D.

[@jamesfindlay7150]

Matt, loved the video however your choice of music at the part with the otter might need to be changed. the visit scotland tourist board use that exact same tune and in one ad that exact looking scene of a otter on rocks. So should let you know

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hahahah thats amazing! No I don't need to as its from a royalty free site called Artlist, it just means they used the same site to get their music. And there was me worried it wasn't Scottish enough :D. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching :)

[@nickcrispe1321]

Conservation success: I remember when there were SIX red kites in all of Wales. It was magical to glimpse one. But recently I saw a video clip in which dozens of red kites were seen together. One among many examples of how wildlife will rebound, if we just give it space.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hi Nick! Yes, what a story that is! A true come back for sure! Completely agree with your point about giving space. Hopefully there are many more examples still to come :)

[@samleslie793]

great video

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Sam! :D

[@michellestewart7494]

Awesome thank you so much!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you for watching :)

[@michellestewart7494]

@@MattGouldphotography my pleasure 😊

Nice shots, Greetings from Italy, Like n.239

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Peri!!!!!

[@matthitchins4525]

Where I live we have had a glossy ibis visit for the last three years, this year there are now three of them! 🙌 Not sure whether it is due to conservation or not, but great news all the same!

[@MattGouldphotography]

OOoooo that sounds interesting, where abouts are you? It might be the result of a distant conservation effort and they are now making their way into your area perhaps?

[@matthitchins4525]

@@MattGouldphotography I’m based in North Devon and yea perhaps so! Great seeing them either way!

[@markmacfeeters4603]

Thats the spot I had my first Otter encounter

[@MarkButterworth13]

I saw an otter in Macclesfield canal for about 3 seconds the other night, about 10 feet away face to face. Until it bolted and disappeared. Many hours of debating my friends convinced me it was a mink. However, recently via a third party a fisherman has confirmed they are active in the canal.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thats awesome to hear Mark! I love finding out about urban wildlife, otters are an animal thats doing well in so many cities at the moment which is incredible! From what I hear (not being an expert) minks are much less active in cities compared to otters at the moment (though like I say thats just based on word of mouth and not a strict rule even if true)

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Very nice :-)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Tom :)

[@HarshitHalpati]

Still wondering how you dont have a million subs😪

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, cheers Hazify, very kind. I guess I will just have to release loads more videos :D

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Luck man... that could have ended with nothing... I’m sure you we’re quite emotional ..

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, very much so! And believe me, there are plenty that have ended with nothing :D. Very emotional, for once, I was speechless :D. Thank you for watching Ian!

[@nunky1]

Click Bait, Click bait, click bait, 08 seconds of mother nature and 12 Minutes of rambling humans, How is this Wildlife Photography,?????