Today, I am sharing two photos and a short video clip of a female Eastern Gray Squirrel as she gathered leaves for her drey at Mount Magazine State Park.
Female Eastern Gray Squirrel gathering leaves – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/125, ISO 1600, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
The rustling of the leaves drew both Steve Creek’s and my attention to the squirrel, and we hurried to get our cameras. We didn’t disturb the female squirrel at all; she continued gathering leaves as we set up to photograph her.
The light wasn’t optimal due to clouds and the heavy tree canopy, but we made the best of what we had.
Female Eastern Gray Squirrel gathering leaves for a nest – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/125, ISO 1600, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
Now, you might be wondering what a “drey” is. Simply put, it is a nest for tree and flying squirrels.
Dreys are usually built from twigs, dry leaves, and grass and are typically assembled in the forks of a tall tree. They are sometimes referred to as “drey nests” to distinguish them from squirrel “cavity nests.”
Squirrel dreys are often mistaken for bird’s nests, especially larger bird like hawks and owls. While squirrel dreys can be mistaken for bird nests, there are some distinguishing features, such as the presence of leaves woven into the structure, which are more common in squirrel nests.
I was happy to take this short video of the female Eastern Gray Squirrel gathering leaves, even though the light wasn’t great. The video was also a little shaky because I was handholding the camera and lens.
One thing else I could or should have done?
I could have backed off the zoom a bit. After years of using a fixed prime lens, I sometimes forget I can do that with a zoom lens!
I cut myself some slack, though, and why wouldn’t I? I’m only a perfectly imperfect human, after all.
Life is good.
Mia
See Steve’s post about the nest building Eastern Gray Squirrel here.
Click here to see more of my Eastern Gray Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
I absolutely love this series of shots! The detail and colors are extraordinary despite the low light conditions. BTW – I have a granddaughter who eats like that. Thanks Mia.
Thanks for the shots and video, Mia! I like the close-up.
We have a couple of squirrel dreys in our huge Liquid Amber tree. The squirrels are also fans of our orange trees and use them as hangouts and snack bars. Occasionally, they get their order “to go” and it’s hilarious to watch a squirrel try to negotiate a huge orange along the top of the block wall.
Neat video. I have watched the eastern fox squirrels make dreys in the trees. They bend and weave the branches making a basket they fill with leaves and continue to weave multiple layers often breaking other small branches to weave into the structure. It make quite a noise, especially when the leaves start to dry and rustle.
I loved the video Mia! Here in Scotland, grey squirrels visit my garden for hazelnuts and peanuts. Interestingly, we had at least two pregnant females coming regularly back in February. It’s amazing how they have adapted to our different weather patterns over the years.
Well, yesterday we had a very young grey visit for the first time. He’s so small and his tail hasn’t even filled out yet but this morning he was chasing off adults for control of the squirrel feeder!
thats fascinating
Mount Magazine SP brings back interesting memories of when I stayed there in the early 70’s. I worked there at the Lodge. 🤗
Mark, I hope the memories are good! There is a new lodge since your time there, it really has gorgeous views!