Fall Brings Changes for Backyard Birds in Wichita, KS
As autumn arrives here in Wichita, it brings with it cooler air, school routines, and shorter days—but for our local backyard birds, fall marks a season of even greater change. The birds visiting your feeders and backyards are adapting to the shifting seasons, and at Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita, we want to help you enjoy and support these seasonal transitions.
Changing Diets and Behaviors for Wichita Birds
Throughout the summer, many birds like bluebirds and chickadees have been dining on insects to feed themselves and their young. But with the cooler weather, insects become harder to find. That’s when birds start switching to seeds, berries, and nuts. You might notice jays, nuthatches, and titmice busily gathering and hiding food in preparation for winter, a behavior called scatter-hoarding. Each seed is tucked away in unique spots, like under bark, in knotholes, or even under your home’s siding.
If you fill your feeders with high-energy foods like black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet this time of year, you’ll help local birds stock up for winter—and give yourself a front-row seat to their caching activities.
Bird Flocks in Fall
Here in the Wichita area, fall is also the time when birds start to gather in flocks. You might see chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and Downy Woodpeckers foraging together in what’s known as a foraging guild. These small mixed flocks work as a team to search for food, covering more ground together and increasing their chances of success. Keep an eye out in your yard or local parks for these lively bird groups moving from tree to tree in search of snacks.
Plumage Changes in Fall
During the fall, some of our familiar birds in Wichita undergo their annual molt, replacing their summer feathers with fresh ones. While cardinals remain bright red all year, goldfinches swap out their vibrant yellow feathers for a more subdued, olive-colored look to blend in better during the winter months. This seasonal wardrobe change is just one of the many fascinating shifts you’ll notice in your backyard birds.
Migration and Seasonal Movement
Not all birds stick around Wichita for the winter. House Wrens leave for warmer climates, while others, like bluebirds, shift to areas with better winter food supplies, such as berry-rich shrubs. Some birds, like juncos and white-throated sparrows, are arriving in the area for the winter months. Keeping your feeders full with a variety of foods will ensure that your yard becomes a reliable stop for these seasonal visitors.
Enjoy the Changes in Your Wichita Backyard This Fall
Fall is a season of transformation, and the bird activity in your Wichita backyard will reflect that. As migration patterns change and birds prepare for winter, it’s the perfect time to enjoy their presence at your feeders. Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita to stock up on high-quality bird food, feeders, and suet to support your feathered friends through these seasonal shifts.
Enjoy every moment of this exciting season and get ready for winter visitors to arrive soon!