Peering into the gap, the teacher spotted feathers. Then movement. Something was breathing beneath the roofing sheet, curled up and hidden.
With the help of another staff member, they carefully lifted the panel. Beneath it was a large injured owl, dazed but alive. It had likely crashed or been forced down by a storm, and crawled in for shelter.
The vultures hadn’t attacked. They had protected it. Surrounded it. Kept it safe.