Birdwatching and Golf: The Winged Residents of Valle Romano
Where golf meets nature
Few golf courses in Europe offer the perfect balance between sport and nature like Valle Romano Golf & Resort. Nestled in the hills of Estepona, on the Costa del Sol, the course is not only known for its championship design and panoramic views but also for its remarkable biodiversity.
Among its many natural treasures, the variety of bird species that inhabit and visit the course throughout the year stands out. From migratory birds crossing the Mediterranean to native species nesting among the trees, Valle Romano has become a quiet sanctuary where birdwatching and golf coexist harmoniously.
For golfers who appreciate the sound of nature as much as the swing of the club, every round becomes an opportunity to enjoy a living ecosystem.
The natural habitat of Valle Romano
The layout of Valle Romano Golf & Resort was designed with respect for the Andalusian landscape, integrating fairways, lakes, and native vegetation in a way that preserves the natural balance of the terrain.
The course is surrounded by:
- Mediterranean scrubland, with olive trees, wild palms, and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary.
- Water reservoirs and lakes that attract aquatic birds and provide essential hydration points during dry months.
- Green corridors and wooded areas, creating shelter and nesting spaces for small wildlife and birds.
This combination of habitats makes Valle Romano a biodiversity hotspot, offering ideal conditions for both resident and migratory species.
The most common bird species at Valle Romano
1. The graceful heron
Perhaps the most emblematic bird of Valle Romano’s lakes, the grey heron (Ardea cinerea) can often be seen standing motionless near the water’s edge, waiting patiently for its prey. Its elegance and calm presence have made it a familiar sight for early-morning golfers.
Herons are year-round residents thanks to the club’s well-preserved aquatic zones, which offer abundant food and tranquility.
2. The colorful hoopoe
Known for its distinctive crest and black-and-white wings, the hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a true symbol of Andalusian nature. Its soft call and striking flight add character to the course, especially around the roughs and tree-lined holes.
The hoopoe prefers open, sunny areas with soft soil — an environment Valle Romano provides naturally between fairways and olive groves.
3. The kestrel and other raptors
High above the fairways, the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) often hovers gracefully in search of small prey. Occasionally, players may even spot buzzards or eagles gliding along the thermals rising from the hills surrounding Estepona.
These birds of prey are vital for maintaining ecological balance, controlling rodent populations and contributing to the natural health of the course.
4. Swallows and swifts
During the warmer months, the sky above Valle Romano fills with swallows, swifts, and martins, darting playfully between the fairways. These birds feed on insects and are essential allies in keeping the environment pleasant and balanced.
Their seasonal return marks the arrival of spring and summer — a reminder of nature’s rhythm that accompanies every round of golf.
5. The melodious blackbird
In the early morning, few sounds are as distinctive as the song of the blackbird (Turdus merula). This common yet charming resident thrives in the landscaped areas of the resort, often seen hopping across paths and bunkers. Its song adds a serene soundtrack to the peaceful atmosphere of the course.
A refuge for migratory species
Valle Romano’s geographical position, close to the Strait of Gibraltar — one of Europe’s most important migratory corridors — makes it a temporary home for many species traveling between Africa and northern Europe.
In autumn and spring, it’s common to spot storks, cranes, and various songbirds resting or feeding in the area. The resort’s water features and vegetation act as safe stopovers during their long journeys, contributing to regional conservation efforts.
This makes Valle Romano not just a golf destination, but also a key part of Andalusia’s natural network that supports wildlife sustainability.
Sustainability and environmental commitment
Behind the beauty of this natural environment lies a firm commitment by Valle Romano Golf & Resort to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The club applies responsible maintenance practices that minimize its ecological footprint:
- Efficient irrigation systems using recycled water.
- Native and drought-resistant vegetation, reducing water consumption.
- Natural pest control, avoiding the use of aggressive chemicals.
- Periodic biodiversity monitoring, to ensure the well-being of flora and fauna.
Through these actions, Valle Romano ensures that its golf course remains a living ecosystem, where wildlife and players coexist respectfully.
Golf and birdwatching: a unique experience
For visitors, Valle Romano offers more than just 18 holes of strategic golf — it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Birdwatchers, photographers, and environmentally conscious golfers often highlight the unique sense of tranquility that comes from playing surrounded by wildlife.
Some even plan early tee times to enjoy the sight of herons gliding across the lakes at dawn or to listen to the morning chorus echoing through the hills.
At Valle Romano, golf becomes not only a sport but an experience of harmony with the landscape — a rare privilege in today’s world.
Birdwatching and Golf a very relaxing activity
Valle Romano Golf & Resort stands out not only for its design and facilities but also for its commitment to nature and biodiversity. The birds that inhabit its lakes, fairways, and trees are a testament to the club’s respect for its environment and its role as a guardian of Andalusia’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re an avid golfer or a lover of wildlife, Valle Romano invites you to enjoy a unique experience — one where every swing, every step, and every sound reminds you that nature is very much alive on the course.
Because here, golf and life truly fly together.
