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.