Appreciating Stamford's Wildlife

When Patty Storms and Morty Bachar found a turtle with a cracked shell in the street who had been hit by a car, they did what anyone would do — they re-assembled him with glue and fiberglass.

Storms and Bachar, the owners of , live on a beautiful and tranquil pond in North Stamford. Here, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, the couple have found peace, comfort and artistic inspiration. They've also learned what Storms has known her whole life: animals just adore her.

“The ducks run away from me, when they see Patty, they come right up to her,” Bachar said. “I think the key, whether it’s a cat, a dog, or a mouse, is that they’re always communicating, if you see what they’re saying — the little things, they appreciate it, they know that you care about them.”

“It takes patience. I always let them come to me, I’m shy with people too,” Storms added. "One of the foundations of growing up in Maine is a love of nature... I used to go into the woods by myself and just sit and watch."

Storms has channeled this love of nature and understanding of wildlife into her artwork.  Her wildlife illustrations will be featured in an exhibit titled "Life Lines" at the Rockwell Art Gallery in New Canaan this spring, beginning April 15 and running through May 6. Her work will be displayed along with Michael Pressman’s wildlife photography to create an exhibit highlighting the detailed beauty of nature.

“It’s been very rewarding,” Storms said. “I try to bring out the personality of the beast, it’s no different from a human portrait. I was watching the ravens in the yard, their antics, they’re very smart, very social. I tried to capture their intelligence, it's much more than meets the eye.”

One of Storms' most humbling and amazing experiences with Stamford wildlife involved a creature that few would ever expect to see in Connecticut.

"I saw a bald eagle," Storms said. "I called Will Kies at the and asked if I was crazy, he said no, they live all around here in the reservoirs."

While he may not have his wife’s wildlife fan club, Bachar once had a family of swans take a liking to him and begin to follow him around the yard.

"I said, you know what, let them follow me, so I went around the house and up to the door, then I hid so Patty opened the door to the swans," Bachar laughed.

With this closeness to wildlife comes a responsibility. Bachar and Storms are always careful to avoid interfering with the natural world. They have occasionally called the Wildlife Orphanage at 203-322-5039 to report a hurt animal or one that's in need of assistance. Animal Control, 203-977-4437, is another option they recommend if ever faced with a problem.

In a densely populated area with an abundance of wildlife, it is easy to inadvertently cause harm. Many common mistakes stem from small but critical oversights — putting up a fence along the edge of a pond, for example. A baby can easily become separated from a parent when they fit through small openings in the fence and leave their family on the other side.

Storms also advises people to keep their cats indoors where they cannot harm birds. Bachar and Storms have three cats, all of whom view wildlife safely from behind a window.

 “Too many people put up a birdfeeder, but then let their cat loose outside," Storms said.

As they enjoy the bluebirds gathered at the birdhouse, the baby turtles born in their yard, and the occasional opossum stereotypically feigning dead for the dogs — Bachar and Storms hope that all Stamfordites will find ways to connect with the diverse wildlife that exists in this area, even areas close to the downtown. With this knowledge, residents can find ways to enjoy wildlife and prevent unintentional harm.

“It’s just being aware of what’s around you,” Storms said.

“A little more generous,” Bachar added.