Elisabeth and Papa think the queer sound coming from the marsh can only be Stewart Peebles playing the bugle. But Mrs. Munch and Mrs. Peebles had seen what was making the noise, and though they can't exactly agree, everyone knows that Stewart does not have enormous wings and is neither short and tan nor tall and gray.

Papa and Elisabeth decide to stalk the “monster,” with the dubious aid of Stewart and the assistance of Mr. Thew, who works for a wildlife museum and believes that their quarry is an escaped exotic—a strange bird that may have come from a private zoo.

Before finding the mysterious creature, they see many kinds of migrating waterfowl and even capture a strange "bird” of a different feather.

In her third Elisabeth book, Felice Holman again demonstrates her talent for conveying useful information in a story full of humor and suspense. And illustrator Erik Blegvad proves once more his affection for Elisabeth and her world.

From the dust jacket