I believe they do have memory! We had a tufted titmouse that used to hop on the back of our golden retriever and shuffle her feet to stir up any loose hair. She would gather it up (she looked like she had a big mustache) and go build her nest. She spent days getting hair from the dog, with her honey cheering her on from the railing. This went on for at least 7 years. Always one bird shuffling, and one cheering.
As far as I know, the TT’s don’t migrate in your area (or mine). Those little birds are there all year round, and are watching your dog all the time! They’re comfortable with their environment, and have learned how to use it :-)
Great Story!
-JT