Here in Wichita, KS, fall is the perfect time to lend a helping hand to our local feathered friends. Chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice are busily preparing for the colder months ahead by caching food to eat later, a behavior that ensures they’ll have enough energy to survive when food becomes scarce.

These birds store hundreds of seeds a day, each one placed in a different location. Amazingly, they can remember exactly where they’ve hidden each seed—even weeks later! Providing an accessible, reliable food source in your Wichita backyard can help them with this crucial survival task. Let’s dive into how some of our favorite local birds prepare for winter.

	Chickadees in Wichita Cache seeds (in the shell and out), nuts, insects and other invertebrate prey Food is typically cached about 100 feet (30 m) from feeders Cache more during the middle of the day May carry off several seeds at a time, but each item is stored in a separate location Store food in knotholes, bark, under shingles, in the ground and on the underside of small branches
	Nuthatches in the Heartland Prefer to cache hulled sunflower seeds, because they are easier and faster to cache; occasionally mealworms Choose heavier seeds (because they are larger or have a higher oil content) Food is typically cached about 45 feet (13.5 m) from feeders Most active caching time is early in the day Store food in bark crevices on large tree trunks and on the underside of branches
	Titmice Around Wichita Cache sunflower, peanuts and safflower Food is typically cached about 130 feet (40 m) from feeders Cache one seed at a time and typically choose the largest seeds available Often remove seeds from their shell (80% of the time) before hiding them

By offering food now—like sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet—you can help these local birds create their winter food stashes. This fall, stock up on bird food at Wild Birds Unlimited in Wichita to ensure your backyard is ready for these hardworking birds. Every seed helps them prepare for winter, and you’ll enjoy watching their caching antics along the way!

Visit us today and learn more about how you can help Wichita’s birds through the changing seasons. 🛒🐦