are these berries bad for them to eat?

[chkinut]

i wish i could tell you what kind of bush/tree this is on our property. i live in eastern NC. we have these bushes that have thorns, small football shaped leaves (about 1 - 3" long) and they have red/orange berries about the size of small blueberries. well, the girls LOVE to eat them....and sometimes i'll pull them down so they can have a few. i'm wondering if they're good for them or harmful? can anyone help? i'd post a pic, but we're getting a new camera and it's not here yet.

 

[GardeNerd]

My only guess is it could be Scarlet Firethorn Pyracantha coccinea

Here are a couple of photos:

The fruit

If this is what you have, it is not poisonous to birds.

 

[mkearsley]

Quote:
If the flowers look like a wild roses, apple, or cherry flowers, they are probably OK. I don't know of any shrubs in that genus that are poisonous. Also, if they like them as much as it sounds, you should've seen some negative effects by now if they're poisonous. Pics would help a lot to identify it.

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
I would say no as well. The bluebirds love them.

 

[chkinut]

thanks guys! and Gardenerd....you're EXACTLY right! that's exactly what they are! thank you SO much!! now i'm gonna be pickin em like crazy for the girls! Yea!!