Amelanchier berries

The birds have started taking an interest in the Amelanchier berries, which are apparently red to purple-black when mature. Ours never get beyond the pinky-red stage as the blackbirds and pigeons can't wait that long. They try to perch on the stems and peck at the berries without losing their balance, which is just about works for the blackbirds. The pigeons are too heavy for the thin branches which bend over under the weight, so they must expend more energy trying than they get from any berries they manage to eat. And the bush ends up misshapen as a result. These berries will be around for a week or so at most given the number of resident blackbirds here.