10.09.2024 – A Game of Two Halves

Published by Peter Worth on September 18, 2024

It’s a classic saying when things don’t quite go your way. “We’re five nil down at halftime, and they’re bringing on their reserve striker, who’s literally Cristiano Ronaldo… game of two halves though.” This simple phrase is a reality of life, and what’s true in life is true in whale watching. Much like in the beautiful game, nothing is guaranteed when you head out on the water, and this was no more apparent than it could be today. Given where the phrase originates, I will (in appropriate style) commentate on the rest of the blog, like two ledgends: Gary Lineker and Gary Neville.

GL: “…AND THATS KICK OFF. 09:30 and the whale watching is underway! Gary thoughts?

“Yes, thanks, Gary. Both Ribeira Brava and Stenella will be giving their best today to finish the day with the highest percentage of whales or dolphins watched. Neither will want to drop any clangers out on big blue today.”

GL: “Thanks Gary, oooooo. Stenella is coming in early with a beautiful pilot whale (Globicephela macrorhynchus) sighting, and LOOK AT THAT, Ribeira Brava responds perfectly by showing indeed this is a mixed sighting with Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).”

GN: “That’s one for the memory books, Gary.”

“I hear you, Gary… What this? It looks like Stenella is heading 5 miles off shore.”

GN: “It seems they’re eyeing up some Sperm Whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Gary. It’s a bold strategy, but will it work out for them?””

GL: “YES, sperm whales were seen at 09:30 AND THEY FOLLOWED IT UP WITH A 2 PM SIGHTING. It does not get better than this, Gary.”

GN: “No, it does not….Stenella way up! However, with Stenella wanting to push for further tours at 5pm, we’ll have to see what happens on their respective final tours, Gary.”

GL: “Game of two halves, Gary.”

“And we’re back… OH SHOCKER Gary seems Stenella hasn’t seen anything on their 5 p.m. tour. A 6% chance of that rare fumble, GARY.”

GN: “Game of two halves, Gary.”

GL: “OH AND THATS IT! Bottlenose Dolphins at 2pm secures Ribeira Brava’s win with a 100% success rating to Stenellas 66.6% GARY THOUGHTS?”

GN: “Game. of. two. halves, Gary.”

GL: “Well that’s all from us Folks. We’ll be back with more whale watch blogs tomorrow from myself, Gary Linker, and from Gary Neville. Good Night”

By Peter Worth

Sightings of the Day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Short Finned Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose Dolphins

Stenella