Watch Out Minnesota: That Ball of Leaves In Your Tree Isn’t a Birds’ Nest

Even though we got some significant snow in Minnesota this week, spring is here, and the temperatures should warm up enough to start tackling some outdoor projects.

As you begin working through your long spring to-do list, one of the things you might be doing is tidying up your outdoor space. Whether that means preparing your lawn for summer or trimming some trees, there’s surely plenty to do.

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What is That Ball of Leaves in My Minnesota Tree?

If you've ever been working out in your yard and noticed a big ball or clump of leaves and twigs up in a tree, you may have thought it was a bird's nest, but chances are, you’d be wrong.

You might be in for quite a surprise if you climbed the tree to take a closer look, only to find fur instead of feathers snuggled in the foliage.

This is Called a Drey, It's Not a Bird's Nest

This is what's called a drey. Dreys are typically made of twigs, leaves, moss, and other natural materials, and are usually found high up in the branches of trees. Inside, they’re cozy and insulated, providing a warm, dry space for squirrels to sleep, store food, and raise their babies, which are called kits or pups.

If you're doing some spring cleaning and outdoor projects, keep this in mind: before removing what looks like an old bird’s nest, take a moment to make sure there isn’t a family of squirrels living in it. You don’t want an angry mama squirrel coming after you!