What Does “A Dray of Squirrels” Mean?
“Dray” (also spelled “drey”) is the genuine, specific term for a squirrel’s nest, a bundled structure of twigs, leaves, and moss built high in tree branches, typically wedged securely into a fork where several branches meet for stability. Squirrels often build multiple dreys within their territory, using different ones for shelter, resting, and, in the case of females, raising young, rather than relying on just a single home base.
Dray construction shows real skill: an outer layer of woven twigs provides structure and weatherproofing, while a softer inner lining of moss, leaves, and shredded bark keeps the interior insulated against cold. In winter especially, a well-built dray offers meaningful protection, and some squirrel species will also den in tree cavities when available, switching between dreys and hollow shelters depending on season and availability. “A dray of squirrels” describes a family or group sharing one of these nests, most commonly a mother and her recently born young.
Example: “A dray of squirrels was tucked high in the old oak, barely visible until the leaves began to fall.”
Related: Collective Nouns for Mammals · What Is a Group of Squirrels Called?