For purple martins, culture and tradition is all that keeps them safe from outside threats.  So, when Hilton, a pigeon from the city, is swept into their territory by a fierce storm the martins do all they can to avoid contact.  It takes the kindness of a young marlin, Riley, an outsider among even his own colony, to nurse the injured pigeon back to health, sparking a friendship that would challenge the beliefs of his society.

     But winter is coming, and Riley can feel the Calling, the urge to travel south.  Will he submit to his instincts and the will of the colony elders, or stay with his newfound friend?