Audubon Society Arkansas – Article by Jerry W. Davis, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Hot Springs, AR.
“When dozens of Cedar Waxwings were found dead in Thomas County, Georgia, researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, found the cause to be Nandina berries. All the birds had intact Nandina berries in their crops. There was hemorrhaging in the heart, lungs, trachea, abdominal cavity and other organs.”
“Nandina berries contain cyanide and other alkaloids that produce highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which is extremely poisonous to all animals. Sudden death may be the only sign of cyanide poisoning and death usually comes in minutes to an hour. “
Read Full Article here: https://ar.audubon.org/news/nandina-berries-kill-birds
NOTE: Advise is to remove Nandina plants from your landscape, or at least, remove all the berries.
By: Dianne Machesney, Master Gardener, Allegheny County: “Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and one-third of our food supplies depend on pollination. Pollinators need plants year-round. The succession of flowers throughout the seasons provide nectar, eggs are laid on host plants ensuring reproductive survival, plants and debris left in the garden serve as safe places for pollinators to overwinter. By planting a variety of native flowering species, and leaving them to stand in our winter gardens, we greatly add to the diversity and abundance of pollinators. ” Penn State Extension: 
By Justin Wheeler, Xercres Society: “One of the most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to provide them with the winter cover they need.” 
