This book is an attempt to help any visitor to understand and appreciate the many wonders of nature that can be seen within the premises of Tollygunge Club. I also hope that this book will be useful to those interested in the natural history of Kolkata and its surroundings. The book describes and illustrates 50 important species of trees and 50 species of birds and also some mammals, reptiles and amphibians that are found in the club. All species of trees, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that have been recorded in the club are not detailed in this book. However lists of trees, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians that have been recorded from the club are given.

Kushal Mookherjee is a wildlife consultant based in Kolkata. His long involvement with wildlife research and photography has given him a deep insight into the natural history of India. "With all this at one's doorstep the idea of a book came up but it is to Kushal Mookherjee and to Lipi Roychowdhury that we are most indebted. These talented friends have devoted over a year identifying the birds and the trees, as they wander quietly at dawn with their notebook discovering what is a veritable treasure trove of nature in the grounds of the Club. Almost every day Kushal and Lipi smilingly record another species. Today an openbill stork flying over the golf course and yesterday a Tickell's thrush, seen for the first time. On the large lake a bronzewinged jacana rears its chicks with their oversize feet wading on the lotus leaves, and more recently Kushal has idintified a rare pheasant-tailed jacana on the lake. Such is the rich variety of Tolly's birdlife that nearly as many birds that have been identified in our grounds can be found in the whole of Scotland !

Birds and Trees of Tolly is available at the pro shop at Rs.400 a copy.