His first exhibition, 'Thirty Birds', at the John Leech Galleries in Auckland in 1966 was of highly detailed watercolours using drybrush technique, and was an immediate sell-out.
A keen ornithologist, Sir William was scouring the world for bird painters to produce a prestigious series of books.
Sir William came to New Zealand, attended Ching's second exhibition at the John Leech Galleries and discussed publishing a book of his work.
The book, in addition to containing all the accurate information on the birds of Britain, should have the style and drama to appeal to those who have never picked up a field guide in their lives.
[citation needed] Deeply impressed with the originality and uniqueness of his work, the publishers quickly realised that he was the artist for The Reader's Digest Book of British Birds.
Although he had arrived in England with the intention of getting on with his book, the offer struck a nerve in the young colonial wanting to make his mark.
It remains in print and has had an enormous influence over both bird lovers and artists[citation needed] Before the book was published Ray had moved to Rye, East Sussex.