A Siege of Bitterns by Steve Burrows

Inspector Domenic Jejeune is a Canadian detective living in Norfolk, one of England's prime birdwatching areas. As a keen birder himself he'd rather be out there with his binoculars than chasing after murderers. 

This novel, by Steve Burrows (a Brit living in Canada) investigates the murder of a prominent environmentalist and digs into the issues around the decline in certain wading birds in the area. The narrative is embedded in the world of serious birders, particularly the competitive race to reach 400 bird species seen in Norfolk. It's an engaging read, which delves into ecological and other issues. However, the main character doesn't seem developed enough to carry the seven books in the Birder Murder series (this is the first). Although I did like the way that Jejeune used the observation skills developed through birding to help him solve the crimes.

It's a good read for anyone who likes birdwatching and enjoys a good mystery. 

A Siege of Bitterns by Steve Burrows published by Dundurn.