Yes to birds. No to humans.

Flora, thanks! I planted mine (Otto Luyken) near the bird feeder:-)

The leaves are also very bad for cattle, not that I imagine that's a problem in your garden.

Flora, thanks for the info. I do need to keep that in mind because my cousin's cows and another cousin's horses periodically get out of the pastures (we've got pasture on 3 sides of us) and get into our gardens.

Yes, they contain cyanide compounds- bad for livestock. Paul.

Thanks Paul! We'll keep an eye on the livestock. Sorry i didn't respond sooner but I've been busy and gone and so forth for the holidays.