Squirrel Dreys vs. Bird Nests: How to Tell the Difference in Virginia
As you notice what appears to be a bird nest in the trees this fall in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, take a closer look—it might actually be a squirrel nest. According to 97x, that clump of leaves high up in the tree could be a squirrel’s home, known as a drey.
Dreys are used by Eastern gray squirrels, flying squirrels, tree squirrels, and even ringtail possums. These animals typically access the nest through a hole in the tree trunk, making it their cozy shelter.
There are key differences between a squirrel’s drey and a bird nest. While bird nests are generally smaller and built with pencil-sized sticks, a squirrel drey is found up to twenty feet high in the tallest trees and is usually much larger. These nests are made from clumps of leaves, pine needles, moss, and twigs, and squirrels may either construct their own or move into one previously built by another animal.
