Plant is just a few years old; has been transplanted two years ago. Now at about 4 ft high, it produces wonderful berry clumps (in the shade!). Two days ago I notice this: berries are growing and turning bright red, but all of their branches are snapped off (bent) right at the base, under some weight.

Am. Robins and Red-wing blackbirds nest in the area. I can very well imagine the juvenile robins (which are presently helping themselves crazy in the serviceberry tree!) trying clumsily to perch then breaking the twigs off.

But I wonder if this weakness of the plant is normal or a sign that something is wrong with it? A deficiency of some sort?

It it were but for the fruits, but those branches also bear new leaf sets, and I am a little worried about the growth rate of this screening plant.