Meet contributor Frances Backhouse
Frances Backhouse had an advantage when working on our Spring 2008 wildlife stories–a biology degree. ”Having the background knowledge allows me to focus on what’s happening right in front of me; I’m not sort of trying to fill in the background at the same time. It helps me know what questions to ask and what avenues of investigation to pursue,” she explains.
Though she once spent an intensive five months studying grizzlies as a biologist in the Khutzeymateen bear sanctuary (see “Grizzlies in paradise“), Backhouse was equally enamoured with sharp-tailed grouse (”Dances with grouse“). “Just being out there–Jared (photographer Jared Hobbs) and I and the grouse, and no one else around–was really special.”
The Victoria-based writer says she is happiest when her two passions combine. “Approaching the natural world as a biologist or as a writer sort of has the same effect for me. It focuses my attention and makes me observe more closely, using all my senses.”