Not berries! (Yew arils)

Not berries! (Yew arils)

They look like berries, but examine them more closely. The far end is always a small hole – not a sign of nibbling by some creature. The kernel, not quite visible through this hole, is a tiny cone: yews are conifers.

The fleshy cover looks tempting. So it is for some birds. Don’t try them unless you want a stomach upset.