Jane et al,
My strong suspicion in the case of your hawthorns is that the attraction for
the Bushtits (and source of the substance you note on the leaves) is the
Hawthorn Mealybug (Phenacoccus dearnessi). The individual mealybugs (mostly
nymphs that look like tiny, pinkish-with-white-trim, "turtles") should be
slowly moving from the leaves to cracks in the twigs, branches, and main
stem at this time of year. This insect produces copious amounts of sugary
"honeydew" excrement. While this species of insect, along with others fond
of hawthorn like the Apple Aphid and the Woolly Hawthorn Aphid, aren't
exactly great for the plant, they are very attractive, along with the
crabapplelike fruits, for many species of birds. You are getting free
biocontrol along with your entertainment. In short, hawthorn, aesthetic
flaws and all, can be a great tree if you want to landscape with birds in
mind.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins
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