On the morning of May 24, 2025, I watched a Common Yellowthroat flit all over one of the two hawthorn trees near the main bend of the Salt Marsh path. I stayed with this charming masked warbler for around fifteen minutes as it looked for anything good to eat.
The Common Yellowthroat seemed completely engaged with the microscopic life of this tree— a Cockspur hawthorn or thorn (Crataegus crus-galli), a native of eastern North America. The clusters of white flowers that bloom in late May are followed by small red fruit.
The trees here are not in the best of shape. They are wrecked by storms and high winds. The Common Yellowthroat may have found insects to eat here. Another old hawthorn on the south side of the main inlet shows the same vulnerabilities.
Just as a healthy marsh supports the vitality of the shorebirds and wading birds, the overall health of the forest canopy and existing ornamental trees sustains both migrating birds and the park regulars. While the Yellowthroat flew about, a Downy Woodpecker arrived to forage on insects in the bark. A Blue Jay alighted for a moment, too.
On the following morning, I returned to the hawthorn trees for another inspection. As I was watching the small white feathers fall to the pavement below, the little Yellowthroat flew into one of the trees for more foraging opportunities.
I would like to thank this particular Common Yellowthroat for the close encounters and the resulting clear images. They usually hide from me in the bushes.
Cover: Common Yellowthroat in a hawthorn tree. May 24, 2025. 7:21 a.m. Inwood Hill Park. New York, NY.
Related posts about birds and trees
Cedar Waxwings in the Juneberries
Birds in the Tulip Trees of Inwood
May 2025 Sightings
The gift of spring migration keeps on giving. I spotted a Willow Flycatcher in the marsh regeneration area. I also managed to take recognizable images of a male Blackpoll Warbler high in the trees. Just this morning, I came across a Red-eyed Vireo high up on the eastern ridge. See May 2025 Sightings for more.
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