Sam Hockaday Media

08/08/2022

In need of a video editor to create or revamp your project? With experience ranging from documentary to trailers and showreels, I can bring your story to life.

Check out my showreel and get in touch.

Sam Hockaday Media showreel, a collection of the most recent projects.

09/07/2022

Excited to be exhibiting in Cornwall on Wednesday 13th July with my photo series, “The Underappreciated”. The series focuses on the humble pigeon and aims to change peoples perspectives on this fantastic bird.

If you’re in Cornwall, head to the Institute of Photography at the Penryn Campus at 6:30pm on the 13th. Come admire some beautiful pigeons.

On the pigeon theme, how fantastic is this tie?

08/07/2022

*NEW PRODUCT*

New gannet print is now available over on Etsy! Coming in three sizes, it’s perfect for any bird lover.

This Digital Prints item is sold by SamHockadayMedia. Ships from United Kingdom. Listed on 08 Apr, 2022

07/07/2022

*NEW PRODUCT*

Robin and Long Tailed Tit Greeting Cards are now available on Etsy. Printed on top quality card and completely blank for you to add your personal touch for any occasion.

Follow the links below to grab yours today!

Robin - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1248963450/

LT Tit - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1263051863/

22/06/2022

The urban environment is full of wonderful animals, none more familiar than the Herring Gull.

While sitting near the cafe at WWT Slimbridge on a warm day, this particular individual swooped onto an un-cleared table and swiftly swallowed almost a whole pizza in virtually a single bite. Herring Gulls are very opportunistic, utilising the human world to further benefit themselves.

21/06/2022

Gannets are the largest seabird that resides within Europe. With a wingspan of 6 feet, they are truly a sight to behold.

During courtship, they can be seen raising their necks and tapping each other’s beaks. This behaviour is also observed within an established pair. As Gannets are monogamous, they will regularly perform this ritual as they reunite on the cliffs during the breeding season.

20/06/2022

During the summer months, around 8 million seabirds breed in the UK. These populations are considered to be globally important.

The Guillemot is just one of 25 species we have here and breed in large colonies on steep cliff faces. I took a trip to RSPB Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire, where I captured this photograph of a single individual.

After spending hours watching the large number of seabirds, I noticed the single Guillemot standing in the sun next to the daisies that had sprung all along the clifftop. I wanted to capture a close-up of the bird but also show a glimpse of the habitat where this species resides.

16/06/2021

Yesterday saw a trip to RSPB Bempton Cliffs, my favourite place. Bempton is known for playing host to one of nature’s best events. Half a million breeding seabirds grace the cliffs during the summer months.

It’s one thing to show a beautiful shot of a gannet or puffin but I really wanted to capture the sheer busyness of the cliffs! With this 30 image composite you can see mainly gannets gracing the skies above their lifelong nesting grounds.

Stay tuned for lots of seabird content over the next week or so.

02/06/2021

The house sparrow is an opportunistic species, found frequently within towns, cities, gardens and parks across the country.

They will usually visit bird tables and live within large colonies. At this time of year they are very busy raising their young. Both parents will incubate around three to five eggs.

Next time you go for a walk, listen out for an abundance of chirping. This will most likely be a colony of house sparrows.

01/06/2021

I have really caught the Beaver Fever. 🦫 Last night was another successful trip. This time in the evening, I was presented with lots of beaver activity.

Beavers live in a structure called a Lodge. They will coppice trees and shrubs in order to build these wonderful homes. They usually live as a group with up to five individuals. Family members normally include 2 adults, kits and yearlings.

The beaver is a true master of their environment and in turn they help other wildlife and ourselves thrive.

30/05/2021

What a way to wake up this morning. A 5am start gave way to one of the most special wildlife experiences I’ve ever experienced.

After an extinction of around 400 years in the UK, the beaver is finally back. This beautiful animal was hunted to extinction in the 16th century for its fur, meat and scent glands.

Beavers have now been reintroduced onto river systems in a few counties across the UK. They are referred to as ecosystem engineers, as they dam water courses, coppice trees and shrubs and dig elaborate canal systems. This creates a diverse wetland habitat ultimately allowing other species such as otters, water voles, birds and invertebrates to thrive.

It is believed that introducing beavers to flood plains directly reduces the chance of flooding in our towns and villages. This directly has a positive impact on our lives. This makes beavers a keystone species. One day we may see these magnificent mammals on many of our rivers. 🦫

For much more beaver info, check out the fantastic, award winning film ‘Beavers Without Borders’ by Nina Constable and Sophie Pavelle. I’ve placed the link in my bio for ease of access.

29/04/2021

Another red kite appreciation post. Here in the Chilterns, we get to see these magnificent birds every day. They have now been recorded in many other parts of the UK and are still spreading rapidly across the country.

Next time you see a soaring raptor, double check as it may just be a red kite.