I must confess that I am a bird watcher, not a birder. But a few weeks ago, I heard a cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) singing, looked around, and there it was. It was so bright and wonderful to see. The cardinals start nest-building as early as mid-March. So, it seems to me that early-blossoming trees and shrubs must attract a variety of insects and caterpillars, because the cardinals and many other birds need to have insects available to feed their young.
Native trees for birds and pollinators include oaks (Quercus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), hickories (Carya spp.), red maples (Acer rubrum), sugar maples (Acer saccharum), eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis), cherry/plums (Prunus spp.) – and believe it or not – box elders (Acer negundo).
Shrubs include pussy willows (Salix discolor), serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.), spicebushes (Lindera benzoin), native blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), tag alders (Alnus serrulata), American witchhazels (Hamamelis virginiana), black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), prickly ashes (Zanthoxylum americanum), and dogwoods (Cornus spp.).
There are many trees and shrub species that are important to birds and pollinating insects, butterflies, and native bees. Not only do these trees and shrubs provide insects for birds, and pollen and nectar for the pollinators, they are also sources of habitats for roosting, nesting, and protection.
Mariette Nowak has authored a book titled Birdscaping in the Midwest – A Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds. This guide teaches how to create outstanding bird habitats in your own yard with native plants that offer food, cover, and nesting sites for birds.
Heather Holm has authored Pollinators of Native Plants. The blooms of several trees and shrubs are critical for the survival of our early pollinators, such as native bees, butterflies, etc.
See a list of Doug Tallamy’s native woodies as host plants for our native caterpillars, moths, and butterflies, and subsequently, birds and plants to add to your natural landscaping.
The Home page image for this blog post shows a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). Just imagine all the insects, birds, squirrels, hawks, and raptors this old bur oak tree has provided with food, shelter, and nests.
There is another book by Marietta Nowak.
https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/B/Birdscaping-for-Wisconsin-and-the-Great-Lakes-Region – The 50 Best Native Plants to Attract Birds to Your Midwestern Garden.” She discusses birdscaping with native plants, in general. Then talks about the best plants for birds.