Have you ever been driving or out for a walk and noticed a giant ball/clump of leaves and sticks in a tree? You might think to yourself "Wow, that's a big bird nest" and continue on with your day.

Did you know that these big clumps of sticks and leaves aren't really there for birds? I spend around 45 minutes a day taking my dog for walks and I spot these things all the time. I've always assumed they were for some bird family trying to stay protected but it turns out that they protect a different animal.

What is a Drey?

These "nests" are called dreys, according to Mass Audubon. These are made by squirrels for protection. They can keep squirrels warm during the colder months and also can help keep them hidden from potential intruders year-round. Dreys are easier to spot in the fall months when the leaves have fallen from the trees but they do stick around all year long, barring any accident or intruder.

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At any point in time, you could find anywhere from 2-5 squirrels in the backyard at my house. They like to bury food in the grass in my backyard and finding these hiding spots has turned into my dog's new favorite game to play.

We don't have very many trees in our backyard but I feel like I always spot dreys while out walking my dog. If you live in an area that has a few more trees, you can probably see a few of these in your backyard every year.

I'm not sure about you but I can say I learned something new today. It might be time to grab the binoculars and see if you can spot a few squirrel families in your yard today!