I haven't used birch yet. But I have used sycamore and cherry. The sycamore can be a little difficult. The grain tends to be twisty, and if the particular piece grew quickly, it may be rather springy. I've used holly in other wood working projects, and would expect it to be excellent. I've not tried hawthorne, but it is a very durable wood, and should make a very strong stick.
So far, I haven't found any kind of wood that is a complete failure, just individual pieces that were too thin or crooked. Sometimes unexpected flaws, like large knots that weaken the shaft. I have used cedar, but have avoided pine because of the chance there might be pitch pockets in the wood that will never dry.
Mainly, the issue is w. carving. Some woods are very hard, ash and hawthorn qualify, and getting them to a shape you like can be difficult. Other species, cedar and yew in my experience, can have long grain that tears out easily. For me, its just a matter of how hard I want to work.
