Ray Stammers Wildlife Photography

Events 2012

2012-01-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
As mentioned last year I am doing less exhibition and sales events during 2012 due to other commitments.
Heres a list of what I will be attending todate:

Little Havens Hospice, Thundersley, Essex 30th June - 1st July 2012
Cressing Temple Barns, Cressing Nr Witham, Essex 26th - 27th August 2012
Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex 10th-11th November 2012
RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Essex 24th-25th November 2012
Olivers Nusuries, Maldon Rd, Witham, Essex TBE

STILL HAVE MY PERMANENT GALLERY AT OLIVERS NURSERIES TEA ROOM. Maldon RD, Nr Witham.

Will amend and update as necessary throughout the year.
Thanks
Ray

Another year gone by already!

2011-12-20T04:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas & New Year to you all. Thanks to all I have met this year and past and hope to see you next time.

Will be out & about over the coming months hopefully setting up some new hides. Thinking about & planning for trips next year. I fancy another seabird jolly as its been 3yrs since the last boat trip out to an Island. Also will look into the west country to do some of the specialist species in this terrain.

Looking back, although not ventured too far in 2011. I achieved quite a range of new or re-freshed subjects. From Bitterns, Cuckoo, House Martins, Kingfishers, owls, boxing Hares, various Butterflies and more..

I will not be doing another exhibit day until May 2012. More on my exhibit/show dates in the New Year. Look out for these posted on this site.
Im now off to the coast in search of SE owls. Fancy expanding my SE Owl portfolio. See you next time.
All the best, Ray.

Three more events for 2011

2011-11-15T04:11:00.000-08:00

I have 3 more shows on this year and then I will be taking a break for 6mths from any exhibitions and events until next summer. Will spend some time photographing more of our wildlife throughout the winter and spring. I can be contacted by email raystammers@tiscali.co.uk

My Last 3 Events are:

Essex Wildlife Trust Hanningfield Res. Visitor Centre. 27th Nov 2011
(JUST ADDED NEW DATE) RHS Hyde Hall,Rettendon, Nr Chelmsford, Essex 3rd & 4th Dec 2011
Olivers Nursuries, Maldon Rd, Nr Witham Essex 10th-11th Dec 2011

Thanks to all that have shown support, encouragement and help over the year. Hope to see you again soon.

Ray

Autumn update.

2011-11-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

Spent a day on the colne estuary looking to see what winter migrants have graced our waters this autumn and is looking pretty decent at present. Plenty of waders from Knot to Grey Plovers. Got some nice images of Curlew flying by. Avocets seem to be building in numbers and Siberian visitors the Brent Geese has a healthy flock grazing on the salt marsh.

I finally managed to get good shots of the Green Woodpecker. I have been trying to get improved images of this colourful bird for sometime now. I have posted a couple of shots on the flickr site.

Although I have done much fewer trips and spent less time out with the camera this year. I was suprised what I have achieved so far this year. Looking at my images I have managed: Boxing Hare, House Martins, Green woodpecker, Wader spectacular,1000s of Knot displaying, Grebe & her young, Bittern, Cuckoo, Better Kingfisher, More Barn owl and Tawny owl, Long eared owl, Heath Fritillary, Red Admiral, Marbled White, better Peacock butterflies. Also more deer images rutting and displaying not forgetting my lost wildlife such as wolf, boar, bison, bear, wolverine and lynx.
I plan to visit Norfolk, Kent again this winter to search for SE owls and more Barn owls.

I will be displaying and have available for sale some of the above this weekend at RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Essex the 5th-6th Nov. Also will be at Hylands House in Chelmsford next weekend 12th-13th Nov. Hanningfield Resevoir Essex Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre 27th Nov. Back at RHS Hyde Hall 3rd & 4th Dec. Finally at Olivers Nursuries, Nr Witham, Essex on the 10th-11th Dec. Hope to see you at some of the events. Thanks
Ray

Deer Rut

2011-10-13T03:23:00.000-07:00

Last friday I paid a visit to Richmond to check out the Deer Rut. Seemed a bit quieter than last year and appeared to be fewer hinds around. A few large stags seemed keen and there was plenty of younger stags in the wings jossling and chancing a move to try their luck with the big boys babes. But not a great deal of real action this time.
Managed a few images of the stags thrashing about in the bracken and some of the younger stags play rutting. This year I really wanted more images of Fallow Bucks as only managed a few shots in previous years. But it seemed on the day very few were around, although the Fallow tend to rut a little later so may go locally later in the month if I get the chance.
I will put a few images on the flickr soon as I sort through the RAWs.I will release a couple as prints and cards.
I shall now prepare my winter bird feeding station/hide ready for all this snow we are told thats coming! Thnx
Ray.

snettisham

2011-10-05T03:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, I have put about 20 images on the flickr site of snettisham. Pleased with the mornings work. Click on or copy & paste the link to see.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/raystammersphotography

I`m off to Richmond now to see the Deer Rut again. As Minsmere my usual deer rutting haunt is under a bit of construction work and access is restricted at present, I will leave this area alone this year.

I will be at Hyde Hall, Rettendon 5th & 6th Nov with some fresh images from the last few outings of owls, waders and hopefully new deer shots.
Thanks, Ray

Wader Spectacular

2011-10-03T00:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend had an early morning outing up to the Wash in North Norfolk. A 3.15am start arriving before 6.ooam in prep to witness the wader spectacular. This was my 4th attempt at getting images of this wonderful event over the years. With only 3 real chances this winter of the high spring tides and daylight hours. I prayed this time it would all come together. Well...this time the weather and the birds did not dissappoint. Walked the 1.5miles out to the beach in the pitch black. Waited & watched the glorious dawn light as the sun rose over the wash. We had purple, pinks and beautiful golden orange skies filled with Greylag & Brent Geese, 10s of 1000s of wading Knots, Dunlin and Oystercatchers. The knot danced giving amazing cloud formations as the the tide progressed. The sound was incredible as they flew and circled over head making their way to roost. Wonderful experience well worth the 2.30am rise, 250 mile round trip and 3 mile walk with a heavy lens to see.

In the afternoon took a drive on to Cley Marshes and spent a few hours blessed with fantastic light capturing Lapwing, Ruff, Godwit, Snipe and Teal. On the way home stopped off at one of my Barn Owl sites hoping to finish the day with a few owls in flight but sadly a no show this time. I suppose with the decent weather in the past few days the could afford a lay-in and didn't need to venture out so early.

Managed some lovely shots and will put some on the flickr in the next few days as I trawl through the RAW files and convert.
Ray.

Update on remaining shows 2011

2011-08-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hi, Here`s an update of my shows for the rest of 2011 as of Oct on:

RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Essex 5th & 6th Nov 2011 (Guild Craft/Art fair)
Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex 12th & 13th Nov 2011 (Guild Craft Fair)
EWT Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre(xmas Crafy Fayre), Hawkswood Rd, Downham, Billericay 27th Nov 11-4pm.
RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Essex 3rd & 4th Dec 2011 (Guild Craft Show)
Olivers Nurseries Xmas Crafts, Maldon Rd, Witham, Essex 10th & 11th Dec 2011. (allsorts going on here this weekend, real xmas trees sales, tearoom xmas dinners, crafters stalls, mulled wine mince pies, cake sales, working craft displays etc...)

With the last couple of months a fairly quiet time for me photography wise. Now starting to think about my favourite time of year the Autumn. Have a few trips planned and in pipeline and a couple of new targets to work towards. If successful will as always have them out to view.
Thanks, Ray.

Ingatestone Hall 3rd-7th Aug 2011

2011-07-28T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, photography wise not much other than some macro work lately. With the birds looking a bit grubby this time of year and starting to go into moult phase. Its butterflies and dragonflies I turn my attention too. Will put a few images up on flickr soon. Will also produce new cards and mounted images all available next month.

Re-vamped my gallery at Olivers Nursuries Teashop last week with a selection of smaller framed images. Mix of local bird life, some Kingfisher. Also birds of prey & red squirrels I had taken in Scotland last autumn.

I will be at Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone, Essex along with other artists at the Essex Guild Art Show from Wednesday 3rd Aug until Sunday 7th Aug 2011. Its open only from 12noon - 5pm daily. I will have a good selection of prints available for sale from cuckoo, Bittern, Kingfisher, Birds of Prey to Red Squirrel, Hares, Voles and Deer including new Greeting cards, Bookmarks and mouse mats. Hope to see you there.
Ray

Craft Fair

2011-06-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

I will be attending the Essex Guild craft fair at Little Havens Hospice, Daws Heath Rd, Thundersely (Nr Rayleigh) Essex. On Sunday 3rd July. Its a one day 1st time event and will have a selection of Greeting cards, Bookmarks a selection of mounted and framed images available for sale. Incl. some of my latest work on Kingfishers and Bitterns.
Its open 10am-5pm.(sunday 3/7/11) Hope to see some of you there.

Minsmere Exhibition

2011-05-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

A framed display of some of my photographic work will be on display at Minsmere RSPB nature reserve, Westleton, Suffolk. From 28th May - 24th June 2011.
Around 50 12x10 mounted and framed 10X8 images will be available and on display. All can be purchased incl. 30% donation to the RSPB. Other sizes are or can be available. If you see one at the exhibition you like but would like a different size please email to discuss.
Thanks Ray.

Kingfishers on flickr

2011-05-16T23:42:00.000-07:00

Just uploaded a handful of kingfisher images I took along a stretch of river on private land in worcester.Will have one or two of these at Minsmere Exbo commencing end of month.

Sometimes this hyperlink is not working, just copy and paste should take you there.
www.flickr.com/photos/raystammersphotography

Thanks

Update

2011-05-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

Just a note on what I have been upto the past couple of weeks. Its been waders and Avocets golore. The local Avocets had been courting, breeding nesting and sitting on eggs up until last week. I paid a visit last week one evening expecting and hoping to see some chicks. But it looks as if the nest may have been predated!! The nest looked ramsacked and no eggs, chicks nor were the adults around. Possible fox may be??
Been watching some local Barn Owls looking best how to photograph these whilst hunting. I think they are sitting on eggs at present. So will keep well clear of the nest site and see if I can photograph them hunting.
Its time to get the macro lens out. Have been capturing ladybirds for a client. Also managed to photograph Damselfly merging from nymph to fully developed damselfly. Watched this from seeing the nymph climb out of the water on to a reed, it took about 2.5hrs for it to transform.
Last but not least, have just returned from Worcester after spending 11hrs in a hide on a tranquil river bank photographing Kingfishers. Captured some great images of mainly a male fishing for himself and I guess its mate that may have been preparing to nest about 3/4 mile further upstream.(NOTE:License required for photographing k/fisher at or near nest, owner of land/hide checked for license with English Nature and as we photographed a long distance from nest and no threat to disturbance I needed no license)I will post some images this week on the flickr site.
Thanks, Ray

Hyde Hall Craft Fair

2011-04-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hi, I will be at the 3 day Essex Guild Craft Fair event this weekend starting Saturday 30th Apr until Monday 2nd May at Hyde Hall RHS Gardens Rettendon Nr South Woodham Ferrers, Essex just off the A130. Its free entry for RHS members. Feel free to visit. Thanks
Ray.

Minsmere Exhibition

2011-04-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Hello, As mentioned earlier in the year I have another month long exhibition at the RSPB reserve Minsmere in Suffolk from 28th May - 24th June 2011. A mix bag of images birds, mammals, insects and reptiles I have taken taken from around the UK. The display is held in the tearoom at the visitor centre. Thanks

Flickr update with lost wildlife images

2011-03-28T23:25:00.001-07:00

Earlier in the year I mentioned I would grab some images of a few of our lost wildlife here in the UK. I have visited a few places over the last couple of months and captured a few natural looking images of these lovely creatures. Such a pity we cannot still see many of these species still wandering our forests and woodlands. May be one day again! who knows. I have wolf,bear, wolverine, bison, beaver, lynx and wild boar. Will continue to do more throughout the year.
Also did some more Hare although still need that boxing shot I have in mind. I have put a couple of Bank Vole images, I mentioned last time these wintered in my shed.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/raystammersphotography

Thanks

Its been a grey winter!

2011-03-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

Hi All, I honestly don`t think I have ever had such a grey dull Jan & Feb. Due to such poor lighting much of the time I had to put some of my plans on hold. These couple of months are usually quite eventful. Never mind.
Just getting some fresh prints and new boomarks, cards ready for another eventful year. Have now done 41 new greeting cards this year bringing 218 different types and also 177 different boomarks available. Including red Squirrels and popular birds of prey from Scotland.
Had some fun with a Bank Vole I trapped and photographed at home (dont worry he was well fed and released) I still see them in the shed nicking my bird seed. Also have been out and about capturing Boxing Hares. Still trying to get the image I want but getting closer.
Need to get the flickr site updated again, the time just flies by.
Anyway, if you are around at a loose end the w/end I will be at Hyland House Chelmsford 12th & 13th March.
Bye for now
Ray

Our Lost Wildlife

2011-01-17T03:16:00.000-08:00

I`m often asked for images and cards of wolves. I have done a few over the years but as I may have mentioned before I`m not really into zoo stuff that much. But my interest has always been UK wildlife past and present. So, I thought of spending sometime doing a collection of images of our lost wildlife we once had here. This includes wolf, Brown Bear, Beaver, Lynx, Wild Boar (although back in the wild), Elk, European Bison and Wolverine.

Over the centuries these were all wandering the forests and woodlands of what we know as the UK today and have been hunted or habitat robbed to extinction here. Also becoming an Island end of the ice age has cut us off the mainland and not helped matters.

There are various projects and private collections here underway to consider re-introduction for some of these species. As usual there is always contraversial issues with this,I`m sure this will go on and on for decades. But some progress has happened in recent years. With the release although may be by mistake in some cases of Wild Boar now breeding in Devon, Somerset, Kent. Further sightings in other regions of the country. Plus breeding projects on large enclosed secured areas for wolves and Beaver. I spent sometime watching Beaver in Scotland, wonderful to see. All working hard to save the species and keep them here. Who knows what may happen in the future on this! Personally I`d love to have all back roaming free in the wild. It would make wildlife photography much more interesting & exciting here.

I paid a visit to a few of these captive semi-wild collections around the UK and took sometime to photograph them looking as natural as possible. It will be an on going project for me and I will post some images I have taken on the flickr site. Some wild Boar are already on there. I may produce some card sets with these 8 species over the year so keep checking to see how I have got on.

I have another project this year, with rising fuel costs and loosing some of my hides on private lands over the last couple of years. I plan to spend a lot of time on the Crouch and Colne estuaries closer to home. I have also been working on some Barn Owls nearby and plan to do more of these.
Thats it for now, Thanks
Ray.

Events for 2011

2011-01-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

Hi, as promised here's a list of Craft fayre & Exhibition events todate I will be attending for 2011.
I will add any other events & confirmed dates I attend as and when they are confirmed.

March 12th-13th - Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex
April 30th- 1st & 2nd May (Bank hol w/end)- RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Essex
June - RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk. photo exhibition (28th May - 24th June 2011)
July 3rd - Little Havens Hospice, Rayleigh, Essex
August 3rd-7th - Art Show Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone, Essex.
August 28th-29th (Bank hol w/end) - Cressing Temple Barns, Cressing Nr Witham, Essex
November 5th-6th - Guild Art Show RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon Essex.
November 12th-13th - Christmas Guild Fayre, Hylands House, Chelmsford, Essex.
December 'TBE' - Olivers Nurseries Xmas Craft Fayre, Witham, Essex.

Will have more fresh and popular images available, along with a new line up of photo greeting cards to include some images of our lost wildlife from the past, beaver, wolf, boar, lynx and Bison. Further work from my Scotland project and local Barn owls.

Don't forget I have a permanent gallery at Olivers Nurseries Tea Rooms Maldon Rd, Witham. Open 7 days a week.
My email is raystammers@tiscali.co.uk
Hope to see you at some of the shows. Thanks
Ray.