The Ball of Leaves in Trees May Not Be a Bird’s Nest in WA, OR, CA

I'll start by saying this is not some media-fueled article meant to scare you. It's actually quite harmless and kind of endearing.

I think seeing birds nests in real life is one of the coolest things ever. Sometimes in a tree and, around here, sometimes nestled into a business sign or even an awning.

Every so often you find a pretty barren tree but there may be a ball of leaves. You may think it's just a bird's nest but in this case it may not be.

What is that ball of leaves in trees in WA?

I'm glad you asked!

This particular nest is called a drey.

What is a drey?

Another good question. A drey is, simply put, a squirrel's nest. Not to be confused with the dens that squirrels are also known to have.

Often times built in late summer going into fall pending the leaves will fall and leave no sanctuary for our squirrel friends, squirrels build these using leaves and even grass and twigs to keep themselves safe and warm over the winter season.

Naturally, as these dreys are meant to protect squirrels and when fall hits and the leaves fall off the tree you'll find these balls of leaves in the trees, much more visible.

So, yes, if you didn't know, along with birds, squirrels can also live in nests.

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