The Ball of Leaves Stuck In Your North Carolina Tree Isn't A Bird's Nest

It's time for your yard's spring cleanup, and as you're blowing leaves out of every nook and cranny of your backyard, make sure you're keeping an eye on the ones still in the tree. Nameley those big clumps of them that are stuck way up high.Perhaps, like many of us, you assumed these were the handiwork of industrious birds, crafting nests for their young. However, these bundles, known as dreys, hold a different kind of life.Getty Images/iStockphotoUnderstanding the Structure and Purpose of a DreyA drey is a marvel of natural engineering, constructed by squirrels to serve as a sturdy, safe home among the treetops. This leafy shelter is crafted from an assortment of materials gathered from the forest floor, including twigs, leaves, and occasionally bits of bark, all woven together into a cohesive structure.The exterior of a drey might appear haphazard at first glance, but it's designed to withstand the elements, from the scorching heat of summer to the biting chill of winter. Inside, the...