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In fields, grasses and small brush soon yield to shrubs and small trees such as sumac and hawthorne. These plants are the start of the forest and begin to limit the light striking the earth. Plants such as goldenrod and raspberry depend on light for their survival. Unable to obtain it, they are suppressed.
(sumac and hawthorne)
Hawthorne were rare trees in the virgin forests of America, but with the clearing of forests, they became common. Today they are found in fields, along fence rows and in small clusters, for they are fond of the sun. The dense, thorny branches create a crown which is almost impregnable. The trees provide excellent nesting sites for many kinds of songbirds due to the excellent protection the trees give their occupants.
Blackburnian Warbler
orange head