Andy Zadnik holds up Addie Zadnik, so she can get a better look at a bird at Succop Nature Center.

PENN TWP — A quiet walk through wetlands Saturday morning contributed to a 120-year-old community science endeavor.

Since 1900, groups associated with the National Audubon Society have taken to the woods during a set time period around the Christmas holiday season. With binoculars, clipboards and pens in hand, they look for birds of any species and tally up how ever many they can find. It's considered the world's longest running citizen science project.

Chilly air and mushy mud didn't keep away Andy, Ethan and Addie Zadnik. The three showed up at Succop Nature Park for the center's Kids Christmas Bird Count.

“Can you tell what made those holes?” Andy asked Addie, pointing to a tree.

The 6-year-old looked for a moment, then turned back to him.

“A woodpecker,” she exclaimed.

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle.