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Description- Uplands

Snake Den on Mountain Top
Exposed Mountain Top near Towanda, PA
Bradford County, PA

    I'm not really sure what to call this habitat as it doesn't fit neatly into any of the predefined categories.  Habitats are like that, they show characteristics of many different ecosystems while existing in their own way.  On many mountains in the Appalachain Chain (includes Adirondacks, Catskills, etc.) the top face is of a different habitat than the hardowood forest growing along the sides of the mountain.  The mountain tops often are characterized by large exposed boulders and few trees.  Dominant plants are those of the heath family.  Mountain Laurel, Blueberries, and Huckleberries are most common in these habitats while Timber Rattlesnakes, Black Racers, and Black Ratsnakes may den here.  Bird life is different here, too.  For example the habitat pictured above is full of Rufous-sided Towhee, while they are uncommon at lower elevations on the same mountain.  In any case, whatever it is, it is an exciting and interesting habitat type.


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