For the first time in memory there are no squirrel nests in any tree in my yard. I have squirrels. There were 7 of them out there this morning pilfering my bird seeds, but there are no nests.
The reason is that all my maple trees are old timers, planted in the late 60’s and they now have lots of cavities, nooks and crannies. The tree just outside our bedroom window has a wonderful dugout hole where several squirrels call home. I have seen a Mama Squirrel carrying mouse-sized babies in and out of this particular den. Sometimes I’ll see her snatching leaves off limbs and taking them to the hole for both extra warmth and comfort.
Actual squirrel nests are called dreys. They are ball-like structures of leaves, twigs, and moss built high in trees for shelter, usually in branch forks. They work well, but the hollow tree cavities work better – no rain, no wind, no snow, and no predator attacks. Squirrel condos, I suppose. I should be charging rent.
