New Jersey may indeed be the "Garden State" but northern residents can be forgiven if they think of strip malls and highways before natural growth, wildlife and bird habitats.

But backyard bird habitats can flourish in even the most urban of environments, according to Don Torino, a birdscaping consultant for Wild Birds Unlimited on Route 17 south in Paramus.

Torino delivered a presentation Wednesday night at a meeting of the Friends of Wyckoff at the Larkin House on Godwin Avenue. The Friends, a nonprofit civic organization that counts open space preservation and Smart Growth among its goals, frequently feature speakers during their meetings who deliver presentations of an environmental nature. Wednesday, chairwoman Linda Vreeland and co-chairwoman Diane Sobin spoke of Sustainable Jersey, a certification program for municipalities interested in green initiatives; Russell Farms, the Boulder Run project and other development around Wyckoff before ceding the floor to Torino.

The birdscaping consultant said that he has at least 60 different species of birds that visit his backyard, despite living near warehouses and Teterboro Airport. He explained that anyone can foster a backyard habitat for birds provided they offer food, water, cover and places for the birds to raise their young.

"Native plants are the foundation of your habitat," he told the meeting attendees.

Torino explained that although adult birds will be happy to supplement their diets with feed that the amateur birder may provide, it isn't sufficient for the birds' young. Bird enthusiasts need native plants in the yard—and the insects that come with them—if they want to encourage a habitat.

"If you don't have the insects, you don't have the birds," Torino said.

He further described birds as smart creatures who can recognize the plants they need. 

Bird baths can be found at a number of retail outlets, including Wild Birds Unlimited. But Torino said many make the mistake of mounting baths that are just too deep for most types of small birds. They "find water by sight and by sound" but can drown easily if the bath is too deep. Since birds generally need a water source that's no deeper than a half-inch or so it is important for people to line the bottom of their baths or ponds with rocks to prevent birds from taking an ill-advised plunge, Torino said. Additionally, while an attractive bird bath may please the person installing it, birds aren't necessarily impressed. As long as there is a water source, the birds will find it, Torino said.

The natural growth of trees and shrubbery is important as the birds look for cover, whether it be to avoid the grasp of predators or just to take a breather. "Birds will use different layers of canopies," so aspiring birders need not worry about planting specific types of trees.

Finally, birds need a safe place to help raise their young. The birdhouses found at Wild Birds Unlimited and many other outlets will encourage birds to stick to your backyard, Torino said. While there are scores of birdhouses available for sale, the aesthetics of an "avian apartment" matter more to the birder than they do to the birds. As long as they're visible, birds will find them.

Torino, who also delivered a slide show detailing a wide variety of birds that can be found in the area, said there was an "eruption of birds" last year, a record year, due to more birds being forced further south to look for food. The birdscaping consultant, who also is the education chairman of the Bergen County Audubon Society, said such an influx isn't likely this year.

The Friends of Wyckoff will next sponsor a family pasta night fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Advent Lutheran Church, 777 Wyckoff Ave. Tickets are available by e-mailing info@friendsofwyckoff.org.