Staff WriterFinca Cortesin is more than just a premier golf destination it is now rewriting the rules of the game by proving that a golf course can also be a thriving wildlife sanctuary.
In a study as refreshingly unexpected as a 19th-hole cocktail, the resort, host of the 2023 Solheim Cup, has unveiled its pioneering Golf & Birds project, blending sport and nature with a flair that would make even the stoniest fairway smile.
Over the course of a full year—from October 2022 to October 2023—a dedicated team of ornithologists and environmental experts turned the course into their personal bird-watching haven.
Eleven carefully selected observation points spread across both manicured fairways and untouched natural corners yielded over 73 hours of daylight observation.
Their diligent work recorded 65 bird species and a staggering 3,807 individual sightings, including a notable 14 species under conservation watch and 11 impressive raptor species such as black kites, booted eagles, and peregrine falcons. Notably, black kites stole the show with 544 recorded individuals.
The study didn’t just stop at daytime chatter—it ventured into the nocturnal magic of the course, where Eurasian eagle owls and their diminutive counterparts, the little owls, made surprise cameo appearances.
Birdlife peaked in February as if even the early risers couldn’t resist a spot of sightseeing, only to make a lively return in July.
And those two lakes? They’re not just water hazards—they’re the unsung heroes of the course, offering 11,500 m² of prime habitat where birds can refuel and catch a breather on their long migratory journeys along the bustling corridor near the Strait of Gibraltar.
It’s almost as if nature decided to build its very own 19th hole for our feathered friends.
Vicente Rubio, President of Finca Cortesin, sums it up with a passion that resonates beyond the greens: “Finca Cortesin has always strived to be more than just a premier golf destination,” said Vicente Rubio, President of Finca Cortesin.
“The Golf & Birds study demonstrates our deep-rooted commitment to conservation and biodiversity.
It is our hope that these findings inspire the broader golf community to recognise the ecological potential of responsibly managed courses.”
Beyond those eye-popping bird counts and seasonal surges, Finca Cortesin’s passion for nature practically shouts it from the fairways.
With state-of-the-art irrigation, a strict no-chemicals policy, and a heartfelt commitment to native Mediterranean flora, this isn’t your average golf course—it’s a masterclass in sustainable golf tourism.
It shows us all that with a bit of responsible management, even a classic course can transform into a lively sanctuary for wildlife, setting a brilliant example for the whole industry.
Ignacio Soto, Head Greenkeeper at Finca Cortesin and the driving force behind the study, emphasised the importance of continuous environmental stewardship: “This study is just the beginning.
By continually monitoring biodiversity, we can adapt our management practices to better support local and migratory species. The golf course is not just a playing field – it’s a living ecosystem.”
For those keen to explore more about Finca Cortesin’s ongoing environmental sustainability strategy, a wealth of information awaits at www.fincacortesin.com.
And if you’re curious to dive deeper, a detailed summary of the Golf & Birds study is available for download.
