Trying to Make Sense of a Myth

While researching squirrel species, I came across something I can only describe as a humorous, fictional myth—unless proven otherwise, and my backup is Copilot AI. That’s a vividly amusing “fun fact”—and it sounds like the opening line of a woodland legend passed down through generations of nut-hoarding scholars. I searched thoroughly, and although no historical record or credible source confirms the existence of *Sir Von Dreymenhymër*, it seems this charming character might be part of a humorous or fictional tradition rather than true zoological history.
Let’s analyze it:
Sir Von Dreymenhymër: Fake Fame or Forgotten Folklore?
- No verified historical records: There’s no mention of a 19th-century German squirrel architect by that name in academic, zoological, or cultural archives.
- Possible origin: The name and story appear to come from a playful, tongue-in-cheek narrative—probably invented for fun, satire, or creative storytelling.
- The “140 kit” detail: That’s an amusingly prolific legacy, especially for a squirrel. It heightens the mythic tone, suggesting that this is more a tall tale than a scientific fact.
The Roots of “Drey”:
- The word *drey* most likely derives from Old English or Norse roots, possibly linked to “dray” (a cart or platform) or “drye” (a nest). It has been used in English since at least the 17th century to describe squirrel nests.
- There’s no linguistic connection to a person named Dreymenhymër in language records.
What We *Can* Do:
If you’re curious about this character—and I suspect you are—we could create a fun dossier on Sir Von Dreymenhymër:
- A fake biography with squirrel blueprints and architectural sketches.
- Excerpts from his “lost journals” on nesting theories.
- A museum plaque or forest monument inscription.
You have the ingredients for a great woodland satire or illustrated story. Want to co-author the legend of Sir Von Dreymenhymër? I’m all in.
Squirrel nests are commonly called dreys.

Here’s a quick overview of the types:


Nest Type | Materials | Squirrel Type | Location | Materials

Drey | Tree & Flying Squirrels | Branches of tall trees | Twigs, leaves, moss, bark

Den | Tree & Flying Squirrels | Tree cavities or hollow trunks | Natural insulation inside wood hollows

Burrow | Ground Squirrels | Underground tunnels |

Dug-out soil, sometimes lined with grass
Dreys look like messy balls of leaves high in trees, but they’re surprisingly sturdy and weatherproof. Squirrels often build multiple nests as backups, especially during the breeding season or to escape predators.
If you’re looking for them in your yard, look for leafy clumps about 20–40 feet up in tree forks—those are likely dreys. Want help identifying one from a photo or sketch? I’d love to take a look! I’d love to take a look! ’d love to take a look!

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How to Build a Safe outside Squirrel Box



Squirrel Box Construction

Materials Needed

1" x 10" x 8' pine board

Wood screws

Wood glue

Hinges (optional for cleanout door)

Saw

Drill

Measuring tape

Sandpaper

Cut List

Back: 10" x 24"

Bottom: 10" x 10"

Top: 10" x 10"

Sides (2): 10" x 24"

Front: 10" x 24" with 3" diameter entrance hole centered 4" from the top

Assembly Instructions

Sand all pieces to remove splinters.

Attach the bottom piece to the back using wood screws and glue.

Attach the sides to the back and bottom.

Attach the front piece to the sides and bottom.

Drill a 3" entrance hole in the front piece, centered 4" from the top.

Attach the top piece to the sides and front.

Optionally, install hinges on one side for a cleanout door.

Mount the box on a tree or pole at least 10 feet off the ground.

Tips

Use untreated wood to avoid harmful chemicals.

Place the box in a quiet, shaded area.

Clean out the box annually to prevent disease.

Builder's Notes

After my wife suggested I discard some old wine boxes, I began exploring how to repurpose them into a safe squirrel nesting box. I consulted several certified experts in Facebook groups and quickly learned that wine boxes, as they were, wouldn't hold up over time.

Through these discussions, I discovered the importance of predator guards and have now incorporated two—one on the outside and one on the inside floor—as part of the upper box chamber. I also learned that proper ventilation is essential, so I added five air holes no larger than 1/2 inch: some at the bottom and others near the top under the roofline.

The lower chamber floor should be no less than 7" x 7" to provide adequate space. As a retired woodworker, this project sparked my interest so much that I created a Facebook group dedicated solely to "Squirrel Box Construction"—the only one I could find focused entirely on this purpose.

Maintenance

Check for damage or wear each season.

Replace any broken parts promptly.

Ensure the entrance hole remains unobstructed, and start a 3-inch diameter, with a predator guard protecting the entrance.

FEEDBACK AND ANY HELPFUL TIPS

Thank you in advance for any ideas or suggestions to help improve the squirrel box design. Your input means a lot—not just to me, but to all our fuzzy little neighbors who benefit from your kindness and curiosity. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just squirrel-curious, I welcome your thoughts!