Spotting what looks like a nest in your Georgia tree can be a little puzzling. I remember staring at one in my yard, convinced birds had moved in—but it turned out to be something entirely different.
Nature loves to keep us guessing with hidden surprises like this. Before you start poking around, it helps to know what else could be tucked up in those branches.
1. Squirrel Dreys Are Leafy Hideouts
Squirrels build elaborate homes called dreys that look surprisingly similar to bird nests from a distance. Made from twigs, leaves, and moss, these structures are usually bigger and messier than most bird nests you’ll find in Georgia.
Unlike birds that weave tight, cup-shaped homes, squirrels create球-shaped shelters with a hollow center. You might spot gray squirrels scurrying in and out during daylight hours.
Dreys typically sit in the fork of branches and can be two feet wide, providing insulation during Georgia’s chilly winter months.
2. Wasp Nests Can Fool Anyone
Paper wasps construct stunning gray nests that hang from branches like decorative ornaments. Built from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, these papery structures can grow quite large throughout Georgia’s warm summers.
Bald-faced hornets also create football-shaped nests that dangle from tree limbs. Getting too close is never a good idea since these insects defend their homes aggressively.
After the first frost hits Georgia, the colony dies off, leaving behind the empty nest as a fascinating reminder of summer activity.
3. Tree Galls Are Nature’s Weird Bumps
When tiny insects lay eggs inside tree tissue, the tree responds by forming strange growths called galls. Oak trees throughout Georgia are especially prone to developing these peculiar round or spiky bumps that might catch your eye.
Galls come in dozens of shapes and sizes, from golf ball-sized spheres to fuzzy clusters. They’re actually harmless to the tree most of the time.
Inside each gall lives a developing wasp larva that eventually emerges as an adult, leaving behind a hollow shell.
4. Mistletoe Clumps Steal Nutrients
Mistletoe isn’t just for holiday kisses—it’s a parasitic plant that forms dense, rounded clumps in tree branches across Georgia. With its evergreen leaves staying vibrant year-round, mistletoe stands out especially during winter when host trees go bare.
Birds spread mistletoe seeds through their droppings, allowing the plant to take root on branches. It then steals water and nutrients from the host tree.
Heavy infestations can weaken trees over time, though Georgia’s native species have adapted to tolerate small amounts of this festive freeloader.
5. Old Kites and Balloons Get Stuck
Strong Georgia winds can carry kites, balloons, and plastic bags high into the treetops where they become permanent residents. From below, these colorful objects might resemble unusual nests or animal homes.
Mylar balloons are particularly common culprits, their shiny surfaces catching sunlight and drawing attention. String or ribbon often wraps tightly around branches, making removal difficult.
While they might look harmless, these items pose risks to wildlife that can become entangled or mistake them for food in Georgia’s forests and neighborhoods.
6. Witches’ Broom Looks Spooky
Fungal infections, mites, or viruses can trigger bizarre branch growth patterns called witches’ broom. Named for their resemblance to old-fashioned brooms, these dense tangles of twigs grow from a single point on Georgia trees.
Hackberry trees commonly develop this condition, creating clusters that persist for years. The deformed branches grow much shorter and more numerous than normal limbs.
While they look alarming, witches’ brooms rarely kill the tree. Many Georgia residents simply consider them interesting conversation pieces in their landscape.
7. Abandoned Hornet Homes Remain
After winter arrives in Georgia, massive hornet nests become visible once leaves drop from deciduous trees. Built throughout summer by bald-faced hornets, these gray, football-sized structures can reach basketball proportions.
Only the queen survives winter, abandoning the nest to hibernate elsewhere. The empty structure slowly deteriorates over months but remains intact long enough to puzzle spring observers.
These architectural marvels contain multiple layers of paper-thin walls protecting hexagonal cells inside. Examining one up close reveals incredible engineering skills—just wait until you’re certain it’s truly abandoned!