Contact Info
The best way to reach Jack is clicking here: Contact Jack McLeodJack & Jean's Bio
Jack and Jean McLeod are retired and live in Sooke, British Columbia Canada, about 45 minutes drive west of Victoria BC. Jack has been an avid birder since 1937 when a family friend, seeing his interest in a nesting wren in a front yard hedge in Niagara-on-ther-Lake Ontario, gave him a small book entitled (I think) Pocket Guide to the Birds of Canada. It had a red false leather cover and illustrations by a fellow named Allan Brooks (see Footnote 1 below).
Since 1994 we have on occasions roamed the highways and byways of North America (excluding Mexico) searching out birds in a GMC Sierra 2500 pickup and an 8.5-foot Elkhorn Camper. While travelling Jean quilts by hand. She’s made quilts for the children (4), the grandchildren (5), for friends (many), and for sick children, shut-ins, and the dispossessed (many). Here is an example, A Lamb n’ Lion Quilt, made in 2000.
Figure 1 - Lamb n' Lion Quilt by Jean McLeod
In April 2000 I learned about the art of digiscoping and the photos in this website are a result. They are from various locations in North America but most are from the Sooke area. Photos of Sooke birds are on display at the Sooke Region Museum – a rotating permanent exhibit featuring Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter birds. Sooke is very scenic, a coastal town on Vancouver Island BC along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and well worth a visit.
The photos are small repayment of the many years of enjoyment both of us have had because of the gift of a small book. In our culture we believe the Lord provides these beautiful creatures for our enjoyment because He enjoys us. We believe they call us to understand and marvel at the wonderful organization and often unpredictable complexity of His world. And we believe they are here so we can learn to nurture, care for, and protect His creatures. Please enjoy them.
Footnote 1: I would appreciate knowing the author and actual title of the little pocketbook. There may be a 1 or 2-year lag beyond 1937 in its presentation. If you know, please contact me: Jack McLeod