A bunch of nature lovers and amateur photographers on Sunday toured a slice of a Calcutta suburb known for its lush greenery.

They captured images of nature at its full bloom. They clicked flowers, insects and butterflies. But the highlight of the expedition was a variety of birds. The images clicked by the participants included crimson sunbird, spotted owlet, whiskered bulbul, blue-throated barbet, red-wattled lapwing and the serpent eagle.

More than 50 people participated in a live nature photography contest, organised by a real-estate company, at a resort 10km from the Indian Institute of Management in Joka.

“This initiative, launched in 2023, encourages environmental awareness and fosters a deep connection with nature through the art of photography,” the organisers said.

Arindam Santra, a Dum Dum resident, was a repeat participant.

“It is good to be back. I saw a lot of birds. They were mostly common species like sunbirds, lapwings, crested serpent eagle and muniyas,” said Santra.

Like many other suburbs, the pocket in South 24-Parganas is witnessing a boom in real-estate activity. Wetlands and thickets are dwindling, posing a threat to a variety of fauna who live in these places.

“The venue of the photography contest is like a green island in a concrete jungle. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna. The participants had a wonderful time. The lot included people who were just learning to use a camera as well as experts,” said Sandipan Mukherjee, photographer and author, who mentored the contestants.

Before taking the tour, the participants attended workshops led by Sayan Choudhury, founder of the Indian Photographic Academy, and Mukherjee.

The best pictures from the lot will be displayed in an exhibition in the Acropolis Mall, the organisers said.

Milan Kanti Mandal, former divisional forest officer, South 24-Parganas forest division, was present at the launch of the programme on
November 6.

“This area is a safe haven for birds,” he told Metro.

“We hope to nurture a sense of responsibility towards these ecosystems,” said Sushil Mohta, chairman, Merlin Group, the organisers.