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!
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Blue jays are passerine birds named for their distinctive blue color and found in the eastern and central United States and Canada. Most common in Florida is the smallest of four subspecies, the Florida Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata semplei). Blue jays are noisy, bold, curious, and intelligent. They can mimic the cries of some hawks and are quick to sound a noisy alarm when birds of prey are nearby. However, they are slow fliers and easy prey for birds of prey when caught in the open. They feed predominately on nuts, seeds, and berries.
The Florida Blue Jay should not be confused with the Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). Florida scrub jays are the only bird endemic to Florida and their range is limited to central Florida scrub areas; while they may be seen in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, they are unlikely to be in Dupuis or Corbett. Scrub jays are of similiar size to blue jays and have similiar, but slightly darker colors. The two birds do have a different head shape. Scrub jays are noted for their considerable natural tameness, rare among animals. This interaction with humans combined with habitat loss has caused Florida scrub jays to be considered a Threatened species.