As temperatures plummet in Kansas this winter, your backyard feeders become more than just a place for birds to snack—they can become a lifeline. During severe winter weather, when natural food sources like insects, seeds, and berries are scarce, your feeders can provide critical nourishment that helps birds survive from day to day.

Why Your Feeders Matter More Than Ever

While feeders typically serve as a supplemental source of food for birds, the story changes dramatically during extreme cold. Research from a 3-year study in Wisconsin found that Black-capped Chickadees without access to feeders had only a 37% winter survival rate. In contrast, chickadees with access to feeders enjoyed a much higher 69% survival rate.

If chickadees are representative of other feeder birds in our area, then the food you provide could be the difference between life and death for many of your feathered visitors.

The Energy Birds Need to Survive Winter Nights

Winter nights in Wichita are long and frigid, forcing birds to burn significant amounts of energy just to stay warm. Birds can use up to 10% of their body weight in stored fat every night, which they must replenish each day during the limited daylight hours.

This makes high-energy, high-fat foods essential for winter survival. Without them, birds may struggle to rebuild their energy reserves, leaving them vulnerable to the next cold night.

What to Offer Your Birds

High-fat, nutrient-dense foods are the best choice for keeping your backyard birds healthy and warm. At Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita, we recommend:

Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter®:
This peanut butter-based treat is loaded with fat and protein, making it an energy-packed favorite among birds. Known to attract over 140 species, Bark Butter® is an easy way to support a diverse array of feathered visitors in your backyard.

Suet:
Suet is a pure-fat food that provides the calories birds need to combat the cold. Pair it with one of our EcoTough feeders for a clean, durable feeding experience.

Winter SuperBlend:
Formulated specifically for winter, this high-energy blend is packed with fat and protein to help birds replenish their reserves and thrive in harsh conditions.

No-Mess Plus Blend:
A convenient, shell-free option packed with sunflower chips and other energy-dense ingredients, ensuring birds get quick access to the calories they need without the mess.

How You Can Help

Keep Feeders Full: Refill your feeders regularly, especially during cold snaps, to ensure birds have access to consistent food supplies.

Offer Variety: Different species have different preferences. Providing a mix of foods like Bark Butter®, suet, and seed blends will attract and support a wider range of birds.

Provide Water: Don’t forget to add a heated bird bath or a bird bath heater to keep water available for drinking and bathing.

Stop by Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita Today!

When the Kansas winter weather gets tough, your backyard can be a haven for birds in need. By keeping your feeders stocked with high-energy foods like Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter® and Winter SuperBlend, you’re not only supporting your local birds but also enjoying the beauty and joy they bring to your outdoor space.

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita to explore our wide selection of premium foods, feeders, and accessories. Together, we can make a true difference for the birds this winter—one meal at a time.

 

Check out our video on the creation of Bark Butter, a perfect winter bird food!