Becca Rodomsky-Bish

Expertise

Native Habitat • Sustainability • Conservation & Sustainability Education

At the Cornell Lab I am involved in two projects, the Great Backyard Bird Count and Garden for Birds.

I am the project leader for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), which runs annually in February and unites birdwatchers from around the world. During this weekend event, we ask participatory scientists to submit their bird observations from their home or in their community after watching birds for as little as 15 minutes. Observations can be submitted using either the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID App or eBird. My background is in environmental education, and the GBBC is a great way to engage birdwatchers at a variety of levels and experience. 

I originally found my way to the Cornell Lab by working on a project called Habitat Network that taught people about creating habitat at home to better support birds and other wildlife. Using this experience, we have built a new program called Garden for Birds that helps to guide people into taking action at home and in their community to better support birds and biodiversity. Garden for Birds starts soon after the GBBC ends and runs through the growing season in the United States and Canada. Participants gain a better understanding of how landscaping choices, native plant additions, and habitat features can attract and support a great diversity and number of birds, bees, and butterflies. To bring back birds and biodiversity we need everyone making better and smarter choices in our landscapes and communities.

Education

M.S., Environmental Studies, Antioch University
B.A., Anthropology, Sonoma State University

Beyond the Lab

I am an avid gardener, for both my family and the birds! I create abundant, beautiful gardens to feed my family and the wildlife in my region.