Not every nest in trees is a bird nest! Here's what a squirrel nest looks like and how to deter squirrels from nesting in your yard.
The Ball of Leaves in Your Tree Is (Probably) Not a Bird Nest
Published on Jul. 02, 2025
We love the thought of birds nesting in our yards. The thought that such a small creature could feel safe enough in our presence to raise its young is heartwarming, indeed — but not all clusters of twigs and leaves you spot in your trees are birds’ nests. Here’s how to tell if what you thought belonged to a bird is, in fact, a squirrel nest. Plus, learn more about squirrel nests and nesting behavior.
Learn how to identify different types of bird nests.
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That Big Ball of Leaves Is a Squirrel Nest
Often, especially in fall, large clusters of leaves seem to show up on tree branches. Many might assume those are bird nests, but more critters than birds build their homes in trees.
Alissa Kakatsch, assistant turkey and pheasant ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, says squirrels build two kinds of nests. The first, she refers to as a den — these nests show up inside existing structures, such as tree cavities, boats or buildings. The second, called a drey, you might spot in your yard.
“The standard squirrel nest would be up in trees, and it would be made of twigs, leaves, and other, softer material on the inside,” Alissa says. “Those, you’ll typically see high up: 20 to 25 feet, or even 35 feet high in the trees.”
So, the structures you’d find that look like massive clusters of leaves in the treetops likely aren’t bird nests. They’re dreys!
Discover more facts about squirrels.
What Does a Squirrel Nest Look Like?
One key to distinguishing a squirrel nest from a bird’s nest is to check the size. According to Alissa, while both birds and squirrels can build nests on forked tree branches, squirrel nests tend to be larger. “Also, typically birds’ nests will be secluded or more hidden,” Alissa notes, “and they won’t be as open in the branches of trees where you can see.” Red squirrels build nests in pine trees, while gray squirrels are typically responsible for the dreys we spot in treetops.
Learn how to identify different types of squirrels.
Squirrel Nesting Behavior
Similarly to birds, squirrels can have multiple broods — or in the case of squirrels, litters — per year. Squirrels will nest from spring through fall in many states, and young don’t “fledge” until approximately 12 weeks. They don’t mate for life, and females raise young alone.
Laugh at squirrel antics with this collection of funny squirrel photos.
Deter Squirrels From Nesting in Your Yard
It can certainly be frustrating if squirrels are eating all your birdseed. That said, Alissa strongly recommends against relocating or disturbing squirrel nests, especially if there are kits already in the structure. “You wouldn’t want to risk the health or wellbeing of the young, or to risk orphaning them,” she says. “We’d recommend leaving a nest alone during the months of March and October, just in case it’s being utilized.”
Instead, Alissa recommends using general deterrents if a squirrel appears to be constructing a nest in an inconvenient area. Use motion-sensor lights to warn the squirrel away, or, to serve the same purpose, keep music playing in the area. Seal off possible entrances to garages, sheds, and other places you wouldn’t want squirrels to use as a den.
Most of all, it’s important to remember squirrels aren’t going out of their way to make your life inconvenient. They’re doing their best out in nature, just like birds — and like birds, we owe them a bit of understanding and appreciation. So, next time you look up and see a huge clump of leaves plastered in the fork of your tree branch, know a critter raised young in your yard… one with a bushy tail, rather than wings.
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About the Expert
Alissa Kakatsch is an assistant turkey and pheasant ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, studying resource management with an emphasis on natural resources planning.
Sources
- Mass Audubon, “Squirrel Dreys: A Different Kind of Nest“
