Birds:
* Robins: These brightly colored birds are particularly fond of chokecherries and will often eat them right off the branch.
* Cedar Waxwings: These beautiful birds are known for their love of fruits, including chokecherries.
* Grosbeaks: Both the Evening Grosbeak and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak enjoy eating chokecherries.
* Bluebirds: While they prefer other berries, bluebirds will also eat chokecherries when available.
Mammals:
* Deer: Deer are known to browse on chokecherry trees, especially in the late summer and fall when the berries are ripe.
* Bears: While not as fond of chokecherries as other fruits, bears will eat them if they are available.
* Squirrels: These nimble creatures are quick to find chokecherries and will often cache them for later.
Other:
* Insects: Many insects, like wasps and bees, are attracted to chokecherry flowers and may also feed on the berries.
It's important to remember that while chokecherries are a favorite food source for many animals, they can be toxic to humans. The seeds and leaves contain a compound called amygdalin, which breaks down into cyanide when consumed.