It seems like it was just yesterday when the leaves were starting to pop out on this wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) tree. Shortly after that the little flowers bloomed and little green berries appeared. Now the berries are beginning to color out. First of all they turn red and eventually a beautiful deep, dark purple. And even though right now they look like little berries, they will also continue to grow as they ripen. The fruit, when ripe is pretty tasty, but not as sweet as commercial black cherries. Some people like to use them to make wine or to make jellies and jams. More importantly, as far as I’m concerned, the wildlife really like them. Several types of fruit eating birds partake as they ripen. Deer, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, and foxes also really like them. Of course, the beetles, ants, worms, moths, and even some butterflies will also enjoy whatever falls on the ground. When they are ready, I’ll eat a few of them, but mostly I just like seeing all the wild things enjoy them.