Chirp Chat WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

It’s peak birding season in Wisconsin, and if you look high in the sky, you’ll likely see some raptors soaring. Raptors like hawks, owls and vultures sometimes get a bad reputation, but these birds of prey play a huge ecological role.

If you've been outside lately, chances are you've heard Robins, Finches and Red-winged blackbirds singing out to let you know it’s the start of spring migration. But the best is yet to come.

The American Ornithological Society promised last November to rename all birds with English names, along with any other bird names deemed offensive and exclusionary. That includes birds like Cooper’s hawk, Wilson’s warbler, Franklin’s gull, and dozens more.

With the sun shining a little more lately, you may have noticed more birds chirping — making it a great time to head outdoors and explore our feathered friends.