20. Goldfinch and Rhododendron - Spinus tristis - Rhodora macrophyllum. The goldfinch is about 4" long. Has 3-5 young in a brood. Eats weed seeds. Nests in bushes. Found in pastures, gardens and orchards. Is the state bird of Washington. The rhododendron grows both as shrub and tree. Has simple evergreen or deciduous leaves and large flower in terminal clusters. Is the state flower of Washington. Forestry Story - Our state bird and state flower thrive in tree farm forests, along with other flowers and wildlife. Tree farms are planned to supply wood for homes and countless other products we all use every day...forever.
16. American Elk (also Wapiti) - Cervus canadensis. About 9 feet long. Weighs from 500-1,000 pounds. Has 1-3 calves at a time. Eats grasses, twigs, leaves and green plants. Habitat is open meadows, brushy undergrowth and mature timber. Travels in herds. Forestry Story - The yellow-topped trees in the picture were killed by fire beetles. Tree farmers harvest dead, diseased and wind-felled trees to recover their good wood before it decays. This removes dead trees in which insects breed best.
19. Red Fox - Vulpes fulva. About 41" long. Has 4-9 kits in a litter. Eats birds, small animals, fruit and berries. Habitat is prairies and forested sections. Digs its burrow in a bank of earth, or under a stump or in a hollow log. Forestry Story - Trained foresters select each pine tree to be harvested by marking it with a painted "C" which means "cut". Loggers take only the marked trees, leaving the others to grow more and to drop seeds for the future tree crop.