Prunus

We have well developed Prunus tree (probably P cerasifera).

Here are some branches heavily laden with fruit.

A little research reveals that they can be eaten straight off the tree or used for jam making, etc.

Question 1: Does anyone have any experience in eating these?

We also have a very large, mature cherry tree with produces abundant flowers and some fruit. The marauding birds starts eating the flower buds, move onto the flowers, then the tiny fruits, then then mature, ripe cherries leaving nothing for us.

Question 2: Why don’t these feathered savages eat the Prunus fruits?