[EBB Sightings] Pyracantha Berries

I did a little internet research on Pyracantha Berries.  Some conflicting
information.  Many fruits when they get ripe or over-ripe will have some
ethanol (grain alcohol).  Sometimes we promote that for wine.  So I think we
have some drunk or buzzed birds.

Pyracantha plantes are in a family where most of the plants produce cyanide
or cyanide compounds.  Chemical warfare is very common with plants and
animals.  I have found a recipe for Pyracantha Berry Jelly, and warning
about the dangers of cyanide poisoning for Pyracantha.  Also there are
several species of Pyracantha plants and they are an old world plant.  My
guess: the cyanide is in the pit and not in the fleshy fruit.  Like the
cyanide is in the apple seed, and not the part we normally eat.  A few apple
seeds won't kill you, but eat enough and it can be leathal!  The jelly
recipe has the berries boiled and strained.  So if the cyanide is in the
seeds, the jelly should be safe.  Cooking does destroy some poisons, but I
don't think it does for cyanide (HCN).  Some plant seeds are designed to go
through a digestive trace, and may even require that to germinate.  So lots
of questions about cyanide and the birds, but they seem to enjoy eating the
berries.

Happy Birding,
Ralf