On the Island of Sodor, the countryside is full of many different animals. There are deer in the fields and forests, cows, sheep and many more at the farms and lots of beautiful birds in the sky, the trees and other high places.

One morning, the Fat Controller came to Tidmouth Sheds looking excited. "A golden eagle has been seen at Bluff's Cove!" he said. "It is a very special bird, and birdwatchers are coming from far and wide." Thomas and Percy both wanted to take the birdwatchers to Bluff's Cove and see the golden eagle, but the Fat Controller chose Emily to collect them. "Percy, you are to collect empty milk trucks for the Dairy and Thomas, you are to fetch stone from the Quarry. It must reach Brendam Docks before the boat sails." And the Fat Controller left.

Thomas and Percy were disappointed. "I wish I was taking the birdwatchers," said Percy sadly.

"And I wish I could see the Golden Eagle," puffed Thomas as he set off.

When Thomas arrived at the Quarry, Mavis had already shunted his train for him. There seemed to be trucks of stone as far as the eye could see.

"Cinders and ashes!" gasped Thomas, but he soon buffered up and puffed slowly away.

Thomas had to stop at Wellsworth Station. Percy was already there. They both watched as Emily cheerfully chuffed past; her carriages were filled with happy birdwatchers.

"I wish I could go up to Bluff's Cove," Thomas huffed.

"Birds don't stay in one place for long," said his Driver. "It's probably long gone by now."

"Maybe it will fly past us," said Percy hopefully. The two engines looked at the sky…but there were no birds in sight.

Then, Bertie the Bus raced past. "The golden eagle has been seen on Gordon's Hill!" he called.

That gave Thomas an idea. "Please," he asked his Driver, "can we take the Maron Junction to the Docks instead?"

"Sorry, Thomas," said his Driver, "but we can't be late."

Then, Percy had an idea. "I can help Thomas get their faster," he said. "I have to collect some milk trucks from Lower Suddery anyway."

Thomas' Driver asked the Signalman…who agreed. So, Percy buffered up and the two friends set off for Gordon's Hill at once; they were both very excited about seeing the golden eagle.

Thomas and Percy were feeling full of puff as they wheeshed happily up Gordon's Hill. They both watched the sky as carefully as they could…but the golden eagle didn't come.

"We'll never see the golden eagle," chuffed Thomas sadly and Percy felt bad too as they raced on to Maron Junction.

When they arrived at Lower Suddery, Percy was uncoupled and Thomas continued on to the Docks alone. Thomas was glad he arrived at the Docks on time, but he was still feeling sorry for himself and racing around with heavy quarry wagons had made him very tired. He kept looking at the sky all the way…but there was no sign of the golden eagle anywhere.

Then, Thomas came to a junction, but instead of finding the golden eagle…he found Percy; he was stuck in a siding, and he still had a line of empty milk trucks with him. "I didn't plan on your trucks being so heavy or going the long way to Lower Suddery," said Percy, "and now, I've run out of coal."

"I'm sorry, Percy," wheeshed Thomas, "this is all my fault."

Bertie the Bus rolled up tooting excitedly. "The golden eagle has been seen back down the line!" he called. "Hurry, you two!"

"It's no use, Bertie," sighed Thomas. "I have to help Percy get his milk trucks to the Dairy." He was quickly coupled up and pulled Percy and his train out of the siding.

The Dairy Manager was waiting when Thomas and Percy arrived. They delivered the last of the empty milk trucks just in time. Then, the two engines rolled slowly to the Coal Depot…but on the way, they were astonished to see, there, high on the rocks, not one…but two golden eagles.

Thomas and Percy watched the two beautiful birds as the puffed past. "We got to see the golden eagle after all," grinned Percy. "Seeing two gold eagles is a wonderful thing."

"But not as wonderful as being there for your friends," said Thomas and they both happily agreed.