Dr. Alex arrived before the sun fully broke through the trees, stepping out of his old pickup with a backpack slung over one shoulder. The search party straightened at his presence; the townsfolk respected him and his expertise with animals. Samantha rushed to him, her voice cracking with barely contained gratitude.
Gathering everyone around, Dr. Alex outlined a plan with quiet authority. Eagles, he explained, prefer building their nests on high ground—towering trees, sheer cliffs. Aimless wandering would waste daylight. Their best chance was to head toward the cliffs in the far section of the forest and search methodically from there.