It was July I962 when Robert started life as a rather unpromising egg on the kitchen counter in the Cape Cod home of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Kienzle, overlooking Crystal Lake in Orleans, Massachusetts. Rescued from an abandoned nest and mothered by the warmth of a boudoir lamp, the diminutive quail hatched from the smaller and ornithologically wrong end of the egg, with that same single mindedness which was to characterize all of the bird's subsequent years as a cherished member of the Kienzle household.

Living uncaged, with the run of the house and grounds, Robert retreated in sheer panic when offered freedom, feared other birds, and resisted with disdain the mating calls of other quail. Robert chose instead to greet and entertain guests, monitor housekeeping practices and telephone calls, ride in the car, discipline unruly human children with matronly concern, and take meals at the family table.

"He" wore the name of Robert (meaning "bright in fame") with such princely assurance, it could not be changed even when "she" began to lay infertile eggs and kick them under the bed to be discovered later.

As her fame spread, Robert's guest book was eventually swelled with names of many hundreds of people who came to see and, only then, to believe.

Displaying a broad spectrum of emotions, Robert in times of loneliness fled for refuge to an old leather covered Bible but once, in a fit of pique at being left out of dinnertable festivities, stamped her feet in a bowl of mint jelly.

This true biography of a unique avian personality, written by Robert's closest human friend outside her family, captures all the wonder, excitement, and tender awareness which Robert brought to human hearts.

From the dust jacket