One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended! Happy caching!
Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are the main species of vultures found in Florida and their range includes nearly all of North and South America. They are named due to their mild respemblance to turkeys. Turkey vultures are commonly seen circling ominously, but rather than waiting for an animal to die they are usually just riding thermals and updrafts to minimize how much they flap their wings. Vultures frequently feed and roost in large flocks. Vultures are carrion birds, feeding on already dead animals such as roadkill or leftovers from other predators. Some types of vultures will occasionally kill weak live prey, but turkey vultures are pure scavengers.
Turkey vultures are protected by law in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.