Wildlife Spotting

I don't think it's a spicebush.... the leaves seem a bit too "long" , and the berries do seem too round and translucent. I remember spicebush berries as being deep blood-red, and slightly oval. Only a bit "squishy". I think they prefer being in shady areas too, although I have seen them in patchy sun along trails like this one is. But RiverValleyRunner is right - the one sure way to tell is by the smell. The leaves, if you tear it, will have a delicious, almost citrus-y smell, and the berries have a wonderful strong citrus smell, with a firm, almost meaty texture. (They are edible when dried, and are absolutely essential for a good fresh venison stew... The Susquehannock and Conestoga Indians would use them. Sorta like allspice. )

The berries make me think it could be a spice bush, scrape off a little of the stem and sniff it, if it has a really distinct, aromatic smell than that's probably it!