Birdwatchers disturb the peace of Portwenn in the search of a rare chough meanwhile Louisa's father arrives and Pauline plans to leave.

All is not well in Portwenn, home of Doctor Martin Ellingham, as the peaceful life in the village has been shattered by an invasion of tourists, eager for a sighting of a rare bird, which was discovered nesting on Aunt Joan's land.

Aunt Joan wants to keep the bird a secret to protect it from prospective egg thieves. But Bert Large lets slip to the local baker, who seizes the opportunity to revive his ailing business by making it a new attraction. Bert is also unwittingly caught up in the criminal activity, and his son Al is anxious to prove himself so he can propose to Pauline. Things are even worse for Doc Martin, as he finds himself held hostage, along with love interest Louisa.