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!
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found in North and South America. Although native to Florida, burrowing owls are otherwise not found in most of the eastern US. As their name suggests, burrowing owls nest and roost in burrows in the ground. Also, unlike most owls, they are often active during the day.
Adults burrowing owls have brown heads and wings with white spotting. The chest and abdomen are white with variable brown spotting or barring. Juveniles usually have a simpler color pattern without spots or bars. Burrowing owls mostly feed on insects and small reptiles and amphibians. Unlike other owls, they will also sometimes eat seeds and fruit, especially from cacti.
The book and movie "Hoot" involve children trying to save a burrowing owl community from development. The mascot of Florida Atlantic University is a burrowing owl. Part of the FAU Boca campus is a burrowing owl sanctuary, a with a very visible field of burrows just north of the football stadium.