Ep 22. Birds of Paradise

Stringfellow Hawke, the acclaimed pilot of Airwolf helicopter, is hired by a wealthy businessman, John Bradford Horn, for an unusual mission. Horn wants Stringfellow to find out the truth about his daughter, whom he accidentally discovers on television. Stringfellow disguises himself as a birdwatcher and arrives in Costa Rica along with his friend Dominic Santini. They encounter a group of American tourists, among who is Dr. Robert Winchester, a renowned ornithologist.

Meanwhile, another group of birdwatchers, led by a local woman named Maria Mendes, are also camping in the same vicinity. Stringfellow befriends Maria and learns about her struggle to preserve the endangered scarlet macaws in the region. He also discovers that Horn's daughter, Susan, is one of the tourists he met earlier. Stringfellow realizes that Horn is not her biological father, but he refuses to divulge the information to her.

As Stringfellow and Maria venture deeper into the forest, they get caught in a trap set by poachers. They are rescued by a group of local activists, who are fighting against the poaching and deforestation in the area. The leader of the group is none other than the infamous guerrilla fighter, who goes by the name of El Gato. Stringfellow discovers that El Gato was once a friend of his father's and they share an emotional reunion.

Dr. Winchester approaches Stringfellow and informs him that he has discovered a new bird species in the area, which he plans to name after Stringfellow's mother. He also reveals that Horn has sponsored his expedition but has been embezzling funds meant for conservation efforts. Stringfellow confronts Horn, who admits to his wrongdoing but pleads with him not to reveal the truth to his daughter.

In the meantime, El Gato is captured by the poachers and is being held captive in their base. Stringfellow and Maria plan a rescue mission to save El Gato and the scarlet macaws. They sneak into the base using Airwolf's stealth capabilities and engage in a thrilling firefight with the poachers. They manage to free El Gato and the birds, but one of the activists is mortally wounded in the process.

Back in the US, Stringfellow meets with Horn and tells him that he has arranged for the stolen funds to be returned to the conservation team. Horn thanks him and reveals that he has finally come clean to his daughter about her true parentage. The episode ends with Stringfellow reminiscing about his father and the legacy that he has inherited.

Overall, "Birds of Paradise" is an action-packed episode that highlights the importance of conservation and the struggles faced by environmental activists. The episode also deals with themes of family and loyalty, as Stringfellow grapples with his moral obligations towards both Horn and his newfound friends in Costa Rica. The episode features stunning visuals of the exotic wildlife and vibrant landscapes of the region, making it a must-watch for nature enthusiasts.