Take 30 seconds to observe the space around you. What areas or features of the forest do you think would make good homes for the animals who live in these woods?
Squirrels
Squirrel nests are called Dreys.
- Location: Dreys are usually built in the fork of a branch, about two-thirds of the way up a tree, about 20 feet in the air or higher, and close to the trunk for stability.
- Size: The gray squirrel is the most common squirrel species in Alabama. Their drey is usually about 30 to 60 centimeters in diameter, or about the size of a basketball.
- Materials:
- Exterior: A rough exterior of branches and other materials
- Interior: A lining of finer materials, such as leaves, moss, grass, shredded bark, or pine needles
- Insulation: Moss, thistledown, dried grass, and feathers to reduce heat loss
- Fun Fact: Squirrels may use dreys in the summer, but in the winter they may prefer to move to a more protected location like a tree cavity or attic to protect themselves from the colder weather. The inside of an occupied drey can be 60 to 85 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are cavity nesters, meaning they create their nests by chipping out a deep hole in wood using their strong, pointed beak.
- Location: Woodpeckers may nest in dead trees, dead limbs of live trees, fence posts, or other locations.
- Size: The entrance hole may be 1–2 inches in diameter, and the cavity may be 6–16 inches deep and 3–6 inches across.
- Shape: The cavity may be gourd-shaped, round, or teardrop-shaped.
- Fun Fact: The state bird of Alabama is a species of woodpecker, the northern flicker, or yellowhammer. The flicker is called a yellowhammer because of the yellow color under the tail and wings that can be seen when it flies.
Opossums
Opossum nests are called dens.
- Location: Opossums den in a variety of places, including abandoned burrows, tree cavities, hollow logs, brush piles, wood piles, and spaces under buildings.
- Materials: Opossums line their nests with soft, insulating materials like dried leaves, grass, and discarded clothing
- Fun Fact: Opossums are opportunistic nesters, meaning they don’t usually build their own dens. Instead, they use existing dens or burrows and line them with soft materials like leaves and grass for warmth and comfort. Opossums are also nomadic and move between multiple dens to avoid predators and forage for food. They typically only spend 2–3 days in a den before moving on.
“This Look & Learn content is part of a 2025 Girl Scout Gold Award project by Sarah Sloughfy.”