Those Leaf Clumps in Texas Trees Aren’t Bird Nests

(KNUE-FM) We are so fortunate that Texas has so much natural beauty to show off. There's a little bit of everything, from deserts to lakes, beaches to waterfalls, and even beautiful green pine trees.

Beyond that, you'll notice so much stunning wildlife running around. If you slow down to enjoy all that surrounds us, you'll notice some interesting stuff. For instance, if you look at the trees, you might notice clumps of leaves in their branches, but did you know those aren’t always just bird nests?

@dupageforest Find the squirrel nest 🐿 #nature #natureathome #forest #squirrels ♬ original sound - DuPage County Forest Preserve

Maybe I was a little naive, but I always assumed that huge piles of leaves in trees were made by birds and occupied only by birds, but that is wrong. Those large bundles of leaves are called a drey. These are up in the trees all year, often hidden by other leaves in the warmer months.

READ MORE: Watch: Orphaned Squirrel in Texas Gets a Whataburger

Look Around Your East Texas Property

According to Geography Realm, when all the leaves fall from trees and you see these large bundles still in the trees, what you have found is a hideout for squirrels. The squirrels use these dreys as a safe place to sleep, stay warm, and raise their young.

Get our free mobile app

How Dreys Start as Bird Nests

After birds decide to leave a nest it’s common for squirrels to then take over that space, expand it with leaves and twigs, then use it as their new home.

Now take some time to look around your property to see if you have any dreys around.