Lucy B

https://mastodon.org.uk/@linuxlucy

Tech. Cycling. Nature.

Mostly posting wildlife photos.

Based in Manchester, UK

Blog: https://linuxlucy.dev
GitHub: https://github.com/lucyb
Instagram: https://instagram.com/linuxlucy

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relay.damus.io

nos.lol

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Last Notes

2026-07-15 10:36:49 UTC

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good reminders, thank you!
My GP is basically as close as my pharmacy and I've always found it easy to sign up for a flu jab there. It's also a good opportunity for the nurse to do a mini health check - I've had an extra vaccine for pneumonia, height, weight and blood pressure checks when I've visited.
You can also just book a double appointment and combine it with something else as well.
Also, there's some evidence that flu vaccines reduce your risk of dementia, so well worth it.

2026-07-12 15:24:18 UTC

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I hope the smoke hasn't been too bad for you this time. It looked pretty extensive when I was over in Marple earlier today.

2026-06-14 13:18:48 UTC

Juvenile house sparrow.
This young bird only stopped on the branch for a fraction of a second. I'd been watching them and their family for a while, trying to get a clear shot, but they kept moving around, trying to stay out of sight.
I used to see house sparrows all the time, but their numbers have dropped considerably in the time I've been birdwatching.
Stockport, UK. June 2026.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/748/628/099/342/119/original/98dd2114941979f2.jpg

2026-05-01 20:55:45 UTC

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thank you 😊

2026-05-01 16:54:00 UTC

Carrion crow.
You can't tell from the image, but this crow is disabled. They have a damaged foot and have difficulty getting around. Their family supports them, making sure they always get the food they need, and they seem to be doing well as a result.
April 2026. Stockport UK.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife #Monochrome
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/500/332/313/266/654/original/51edb840dd9f2bc5.jpg

2026-04-04 12:53:10 UTC

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did you just deliberately find somewhere that had a large number of golf courses, so I'd start complaining about them again? I'm not going to fall for it..
.. although, it doesn't seem particularly safe to cycle there given the number of golf balls that must be flying around.

2026-04-04 11:26:16 UTC

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Cambridge is lovely, but as you say it's very expensive. It's also very warm and flat, which I'm not sure I'd like. My partner lived in St Ives for several years, but it was before we started cycling. We'd probably still consider it as an option though.

2026-04-04 08:30:55 UTC

Does anyone have any suggestions for UK towns that are okay for cycling? 🚴
I'm getting fed up of consistently bad cycling experiences around Manchester. I've had two incidents that really needed reporting to the police in the last month and could really do with living somewhere that has less drama.

2026-04-03 20:25:18 UTC

Teal, female.
The smallest ducks found in the UK. Widespread in the winter but quite shy. Teals are mostly flying to their breeding grounds now, although some may stick around.
RSPB Leighton Moss. March 2026.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/342/544/538/535/475/original/b9f33ad567e42fd9.jpg

2026-03-25 18:46:46 UTC

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I would say you're right to be sceptical and would strongly avoid them personally.

2026-03-22 20:26:55 UTC

Kingfishers.
Spring is really starting to pick up now. I've not had much opportunity to get out with my camera, but managed to time it well with some recent exceptional weather & bird life.
I've had to buy a new computer so I can continue to process photos. The ram alone cost £400 for 32GB. I feel extremely privileged to be able to do this, but also that this shouldn't be so out of reach for so many.
UK, March 2026.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/274/659/368/505/250/original/472651ac77f57862.jpg

2026-03-03 11:25:45 UTC

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fortunately, I had enough signal but my phone had a faulty battery, so was slow to install things. The app also asks for lots of permissions and has some kind of privacy policy you have to click through, which is incredibly stressful when a loved one is injured and needs help quickly. I can also imagine it being difficult to use in other situations, like heavy rain when the touchscreen doesn't work properly.
Basically, W3W isn't fit for emergency purposes.

2026-03-03 09:15:43 UTC

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I've been in this situation and from what I remember, they talked me through installing W3W. It was a complete pain. I could've immediately given them the lat/long from Google maps, but they refused anything but W3W.

2026-03-02 19:28:49 UTC

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I met them when I was out campaigning. They're every bit as lovely as they look 💚.

2026-02-27 21:26:32 UTC

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if it helps, we had enough people in Gorton and Denton voting for not-Reform that either Labour or Greens would have always beaten them no matter how the vote was split.
https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:rw2kfkoa7dvxmip5rm4nay7x/post/3mfu2rdpqkc2q

2026-02-27 19:47:54 UTC

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Here's Hannah Spencer's acceptance speech in full (i.e my new MP). Unfortunately, it's Sky News, but I couldn't find anywhere else that had a good quality version of the full speech.
It's worth a listen.
https://news.sky.com/video/hannah-spencer-speaks-after-winning-by-election-13512793
#politics #GortonAndDenton

2026-02-27 12:57:34 UTC

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I think that might be a friend lifting her up, but I could be wrong. It's a fantastic photo though.

2026-02-27 12:39:24 UTC

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that very kind of you 😊. It was totally self interest, as I wanted a good MP!

2026-02-27 09:11:56 UTC

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thank you!

2026-02-27 08:44:15 UTC

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I actually cried this morning when I saw Hannah's speech (the full version is brilliant). I'm so happy!

2026-02-27 08:42:33 UTC

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We did it! 💚
At the beginning of the campaign, it was assumed Reform would win this. I spoke to people who weren't going to bother voting because it was so obvious they would and things felt so hopeless. It wasn't hopeless, but it took work.
A Reform win at the next GE isn't inevitable.
Hope will win over hate.
Anyway, hopefully I can ignore politics for a bit and go back to sharing bird photos. Thank you for sticking with me over the last month.
#politics #GortonAndDenton

2026-02-26 21:44:26 UTC

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Well, that was an exhausting month. I've knocked on hundreds of doors, lost count of the number of leaflets I've delivered (over 600) and walked 30k steps today alone.
The support we have from every part of the constituency is amazing, but especially Levenshulme and Longsight.
I feel like I've done everything I can right now, which was the point of getting involved. Tomorrow we'll wake up to a different world, one way or another🤞
#politics #GortonAndDenton

2026-02-22 18:04:50 UTC

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based on my experience canvassing for the Greens over the last month, and living in the constituency, I am 100% convinced that Labour are going after the Green vote. They're happy to split the vote if it means the Greens don't win.

2026-02-19 13:36:56 UTC

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oh, and if you want to stop the canvassers then I can recommend having a Green board in the front garden. We've not had a single one since it went up.

2026-02-19 12:44:10 UTC

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I don't think you're going to get any convincing evidence, as there's not enough historical data and things are so different this time around anyway.
I can tell you I've been out to Burnage, Levy, Longsight,Denton & Gorton, and the vast majority of posters & signs are Green or Reform. My area is normally all Labour & you wouldn't know that now. I have also spoken to plenty of past and current labour folks who're voting Green

2026-02-19 12:23:11 UTC

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the internal Green polling data shows that they are way ahead of Labour. It's too close to call between Reform and Greens, although the betting shops are behind Greens.
Labour aren't fighting to win, they're fighting to stop the Greens. I don't have evidence, but I have been canvassing with Labour party members who've joined up with the Greens because they're frustrated and desperate to stop Reform (unlike the rest of Labour)

2026-02-17 20:31:30 UTC

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thank you! I haven't boosted it recently, so don't know how it ended up on your reading list, but I'm really glad you found it useful. Let me know what your team thinks too.
I'm in a new fully remote team now and juggling sync / async methods of collaboration is something that comes up frequently.

2026-02-14 19:46:28 UTC

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oh no, I'm sorry. I hope it hasn't taken him too long to get back.
Hannah's wonderful and I really hope she does get to represent us. The hard work will totally be worth it🤞💚🥰

2026-02-14 17:45:41 UTC

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please thank Mr DT for me. As someone living in Denton, I really appreciate everyone's efforts in helping us win this election. I was out canvassing too and the atmosphere was fantastic 💚

2026-02-13 13:39:57 UTC

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if only we could persuade him to stay there.

2026-02-13 13:29:10 UTC

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TBF, the Labour candidate has already enacted her plan to improve air pollution on the A57, when she was Manchester Council’s Transport and Environment lead. She widened the road during COVID (against the wishes of locals), thereby increasing traffic and air pollution... Oh, and increasing deaths/injuries.

2026-02-11 18:05:19 UTC

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My handwritten letter arrived this afternoon. Dated the 5th and delivered five days after the police investigation opened.
It really looks like there was never intended to be an imprint on it.

2026-02-11 10:54:08 UTC

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good luck! I'm working today but will be joining again later in the week.
If you're over in Denton West and need a brew/somewhere warm/to use a toilet, then you're welcome to pop by. We're a few minutes from Granada park, so had a lot of visitors over the weekend.

2026-02-09 15:56:13 UTC

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this kind of post really isn't helpful. That house exists and has Reform signs up. I walked around the corner a few minutes ago to check. It's a real photo, although I'm unsure about the poster in the bedroom window and whether that's since been taken down or photoshopped in (my guess is that it was put up just for the photo).
Greens can win this and their signs far outnumber Reform in this part of Denton. We don't need to spread lies about Reform, the truth is bad enough.
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/041/466/886/286/010/original/13187dc523e9a2ab.jpg

2026-02-09 13:41:03 UTC

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I got that email earlier. It was alarmingly realistic and I can see how it would be easy to fall for it (I don't have a car fortunately).
It used my Coursera email address, so I assume they've been compromised at some point.

2026-02-02 19:56:09 UTC

Goldeneye (male).
The resignation of our local MP and resulting by-election means I'll be mostly focused on politics this month. However, we've been treated to a stunning visitor on our local ponds over the last week. I'm really hoping he'll stay to see the election results at the end of the month and to give me more of a chance to photograph him.
Stockport, UK. Jan 2026.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/002/763/826/324/855/original/b9f20d9b3b6e94e7.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/116/002/763/835/228/864/original/2adf1c2f23fd0610.jpg

2026-02-01 20:22:40 UTC

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Jon and I were having that very discussion at Piccadilly station around the time you posted this, although we didn't have as much of a problem getting home. It really could be so much better though!
Hope you made it back safely and had a good weekend.

2026-01-31 20:34:56 UTC

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that's fantastic!
Labour have been out in force for the last week and pushing hard with online ads. Whereas, Reform have been doing a lot on social and mainstream media. So, everything we do really matters, I think.

2026-01-31 17:33:39 UTC

Hope 💚
#GreenParty #GortonAndDenton
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/990/890/698/131/437/original/788be7b1c557d8af.jpg

2026-01-31 17:25:04 UTC

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speaking as a Denton resident, thank you for coming over! I couldn't make it today, but was over in Longsight yesterday to see the announcement and to do some leafleting.
We can totally do this! 💚

2026-01-27 13:42:26 UTC

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why be mad at the Greens? Labour are already campaigning extremely hard, when they could chose not to. If the regional projections are right, then it's Labour who are splitting the vote. If they had any decency they'd take a step back from this election.
I'm speaking as someone who has just joined the Greens and plans to campaign to keep Reform out.

2026-01-26 22:00:37 UTC

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thank you! 😊

2026-01-26 20:45:09 UTC

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I've just joined up. I'm away this weekend annoyingly but can do some leafleting from Monday onwards (assuming time off work, etc). What's the best way to find out about the events? The local tameside group don't seem to have much on their website.

2026-01-25 15:22:02 UTC

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I'm not surprised. Labour are already out in force leafleting in my area this afternoon.

2026-01-25 14:26:09 UTC

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thanks for this, I needed some optimism today.
Assuming Labour don't find a strong candidate from somewhere, then I'll happily fight for the Greens to get get elected here. I don't want Reform to get in and I don't want to just sit and wait to see if it happens.

2026-01-22 20:46:30 UTC

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Here's the published paper:
https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-086393

2026-01-22 20:45:50 UTC

My colleagues have been involved in an extremely cool piece of research that was published today. It's a great reminder of why we're doing this and how much potential there is to do good with technology in healthcare, when it's done in the right way.
https://theconversation.com/the-pandemics-hidden-toll-millions-of-chronic-conditions-left-undiagnosed-273418

2026-01-18 16:14:22 UTC

Robin.
The sun doesn't shine that often, but when it does it's worth singing about.
I love watching these feisty little birds. Our resident robins are joined by migrants from the continent during cold weather. They're one of the few birds that sing year round too, so help bring some joy to the grey winter months.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/916/949/412/862/918/original/fbcab5738d28ef8b.jpg

2026-01-15 15:55:35 UTC

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yes, I have a ticket! I had too much FOMO after seeing everyone enjoy last year and it would be great to see folks again. ❤️

2026-01-15 15:12:54 UTC

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excellent news. I'm looking forward to it! 🤞

2026-01-11 21:27:57 UTC

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fantastic photo! You've nailed the lighting and I love the detail on the bird.

2026-01-10 19:19:00 UTC

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thank you! 😊

2026-01-10 18:57:04 UTC

Sparrowhawk.
Wow, what a week. I saw a water rail on my local patch on Tuesday, as well as a mink with a frog in its mouth. This morning, I had my closest ever encounter with a sparrowhawk. I think a young female, but open to opinions. The cold weather can be an excellent opportunity to see wildlife.
Meanwhile, my laptop is quickly dying, so I'm hastily making backups.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/872/300/182/731/278/original/dba4a15a95d685bc.jpg

2026-01-04 13:46:53 UTC

A slippery start to 2026.
There are many reasons to despair right now and it can be hard to see that there's any good left. So here's a reminder that even in a badly kept urban park, which suffered badly (again) last year, there's still some magic to be found in nature.
Stockport, UK. Jan 2026.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/837/028/299/529/337/original/211a0e1433914ca5.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/837/028/504/513/231/original/cb5b02fd58745be5.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/837/029/069/817/604/original/8a1582f812f28790.jpg

2026-01-02 15:14:02 UTC

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I love the smell when I go past! If the wind is in the right direction I can smell it not far from my house.
Also, if you're hungry after your run (the downside of going past the McVities factory), check out Grounded Manchester in Cringle park. It's a new social enterprise cafe and is really quite good.

2025-12-28 16:39:03 UTC

Red-necked phalarope.
A photogenic, small wader that's always on the move. They're a red listed species in the UK with only 60-70 breeding pairs. They winter as far away as the eastern Pacific and can live up to 12 years. The males are more subtly coloured than the females, as they brood and rear the chicks. A true pleasure to watch; hopefully the population in the Shetland continues to do well (with help from RSPB and others).
Shetland, UK. June 2025.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/798/127/119/831/306/original/f1abd7f3d603dc4c.jpg

2025-12-23 07:30:44 UTC

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they're great aren't they! Coots always seem to have some kind of drama going on though. I've even seen them chase Canada geese at times.

2025-12-21 15:49:19 UTC

A moment of calm and reflection.
Even a Eurasian coot can be still for a moment (admittedly a fast shutter speed helps). They're a common bird in the UK and eve more so in the winter as the resident birds are joined by visitors from further east.
It can be hard at this time of year to make time for nature, but worth it. We have many migratory birds visiting at the moment, so there's plenty to see too.
Stockport, UK. Dec 2025.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/758/300/194/115/093/original/93d94eda55cccedd.jpg

2025-12-15 07:35:24 UTC

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true, but the presence of bird flu at this site has been confirmed by DEFRA. Sadly, they don't test every animal, but the spread of the disease, symptoms and number of deaths we've been seeing is a very strong indicator of bird flu in these swans.
For feeding smaller birds, then yes cleaning bird feeders to prevent the spread of disease is really important. The larger birds don't have feeders though.

2025-12-15 07:31:29 UTC

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the two adults, and the remaining cygnet, are all doing well. It's likely the adults had partial immunity, as they're old enough to have been exposed to a "normal", less lethal, flu that was circulating many years ago, which was a similar strain to the current bird flu.

2025-12-14 20:51:37 UTC

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I'm sharing this, because I feel like most people don't see what's happening. Animals are usually removed quickly after dying and even when the birds are sick, the signs are missed.
These photos show three of the cygnets while in the early-ish stages of bird flu. See alt text for details.
3/3
#Birds #Nature #Wildlife #UKWildlife #HPAI #BirdFlu
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/719/868/884/461/980/original/2006dad0053e80f3.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/719/870/313/908/179/original/b5eced1ef3a4e232.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/719/872/283/544/430/original/1aa0ce9e40d189e5.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/719/872/072/058/449/original/371a45f00fd18403.jpg

2025-12-14 20:44:04 UTC

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Sadly, 4 of the 5 cygnets died. One within a few days and the rest after nearly a week. Two of those were euthanased by the RSPCA, due to the amount they were suffering. While the RSPCA do rescue wild animals, there's no treatment for bird flu and no local centres will take them due to the risks they pose to other animals, so options are limited.
2/3

2025-12-14 20:40:28 UTC

It's turning into a bad flu year for humans in the Northern hemisphere and it's turning out to be a bad year for bird flu too, at least locally.
The influx of winter migrants has brought with it plenty of sick birds, especially Canada geese, who've been spreading it around my local area.
Recently, our resident mute swans and their 5 cygnets became ill with (suspected) bird flu. It has a high mortality rate and we were all worried.
#Birds #Nature #Wildlife #UKWildlife #HPAI #BirdFlu
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/719/845/252/593/202/original/207de865a97575d8.jpg

2025-12-08 17:55:34 UTC

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I'm fairly familiar with the area around Otterspool road too and there's some amazing wildlife there, which must be really struggling right now.

2025-12-08 17:52:38 UTC

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So frustrating to hear that.
On Sunday I did my monthly BTO wetland bird count along the river Tame not too far from here and it was full of shit. United Utilities have been doing a lot of discharging over the last few months. It's heartbreaking to think about what it looked like just a few years ago. I'm so angry with them!

2025-12-07 14:41:47 UTC

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wonderful news. Congratulations! 🎉

2025-12-05 16:49:36 UTC

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the MFA part was definitely helpful (although we were already using it in 95% of cases) and some others too. But it was a lot of work, for not much gain and in same cases reduced our security posture. It was frustrating when it could have been just as much work (or less) for a much bigger gain.

2025-12-05 14:43:51 UTC

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your mistake is thinking that CE has anything to do with security.
I survived the process by accepting it was an administrative burden and desperately tried not to think about the security aspect.

2025-11-28 21:38:27 UTC

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this is a fascinating thread, thank you for sharing your experience.

2025-11-23 20:18:17 UTC

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thanks, that's super useful! I'm currently waiting to hear back for a bit more information, but this will make looking through various options much faster.

2025-11-23 16:26:03 UTC

This is a season of change.
As the cold weather comes in, birds like this tufted duck return from their summer adventures, and others, like the young coot and young black‐headed gull experience cold weather for the first time. Meanwhile, photographers make the most of the warm, low autumnal light.
Stockport, UK. November 2025.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/599/826/756/661/003/original/9726b6e9ebb89074.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/599/826/748/903/893/original/1b31e3edb78ae58f.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/599/826/762/284/018/original/bda65ad527bbeb7d.jpg

2025-11-22 17:17:31 UTC

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sounds perfect, thank you!

2025-11-22 17:16:02 UTC

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thanks, that's good to know. Windows isn't my thing either, but i do need something that will just work without me providing tech support. I'll be recommending one of the bigger suppliers, I think.

2025-11-22 17:13:34 UTC

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thanks! An XPS13 would definitely be too expensive, but an older Latitude might be okay.

2025-11-22 17:12:20 UTC

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that would be mine too, but i wasn't sure about how suitable they'd be for a non-techie (or whether they were still good).

2025-11-22 17:11:13 UTC

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thanks, this is the sort of thing I was looking for. I was put off by the really bad trustpilot reviews of Dell Refurbished and so was hoping someone with lots of experience with them might respond with information.

2025-11-22 16:45:33 UTC

A relative is looking to get a new laptop this Christmas. It needs to be cheap and run Windows. I'm thinking that refurbished might offer good value for money. Does anyone have any recommendations,based on personal experience (UK only)?

2025-11-15 19:44:45 UTC

Shetland.
Three very different views of Shetland, of three different islands. No colour, just light, shadow and shape. And birds, of course.
#bird #Shetland #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/555/291/118/485/099/original/17d7120e4ba12faa.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/555/291/172/479/595/original/e876d928a6767484.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/555/291/164/975/773/original/8992bd28629ee303.jpg

2025-11-08 18:59:19 UTC

About AI..
No not that AI. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), or bird flu, is hitting our wildlife hard again and the winter hasn't yet started. I've heard reports from various places in Greater Manchester about deaths from (mainly) swans and geese.
If you see a sick or dead bird, don't touch it.
Report any dead birds:
• In England, Wales & Scotland https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds;
• In Northern Ireland https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-dead-wild-bird-online-reporting-tool?brid=hGNqm2_eP38oDRgWaeRS6Q
• In Republic of Ireland https://aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/report
#birds #UKBirds

2025-11-07 19:01:58 UTC

Grey heron.
Infinitely patient. Hidden among the weeds. Watching and waiting.
Herons typically live around five years, although the oldest ringed bird was 23 years old. We're lucky enough to have several of them around at the moment.
Oct 2025. Stockport, UK
#Birds #Nature #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/509/937/201/995/053/original/3e7844a13f0dfad7.jpg

2025-11-03 07:37:22 UTC

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aren't they just!

2025-11-03 07:36:59 UTC

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yes, it is thank you!
I forgot to put the details on, but it was taken a couple of weeks ago in Stockport, UK.

2025-11-02 13:19:39 UTC

Carrion crow.
The world seems to be full of arseholes today, especially ones who get angry with people for being on a bicycle.
Anyway, here's a crow who spent ages manoeuvring these monkey nuts to make them all fit in their beak.
#Birds #Nature #Wildlife #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/480/268/581/993/082/original/dd6e3eebda9dd26e.jpg

2025-10-26 21:28:28 UTC

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thank you 😊

2025-10-26 19:47:42 UTC

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thank you so much 😊
I'm really looking forward to doing more bird ones. It's a really interesting and creative way to use all those photographs I have.

2025-10-26 18:28:53 UTC

I took advantage of the brief sunshine yesterday to do what are likely to be my last cyanotypes of the year. Those six bookmarks, on (basically) expired paper, were done in a rush and yet are some of my favourites so far.
I have lots of ideas for what I can try next once the sun returns!
#cyanotype #AlternativePhotography
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/441/831/111/353/051/original/80cdbde0934296d4.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/441/831/169/850/272/original/59782800679c6399.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/441/831/124/495/520/original/aa167a13aff7dc31.jpg

2025-10-24 19:09:41 UTC

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it's great isn't it! They do use slightly larger pots for larger birds. I think the greenfinch was weighed in a fish food pot, for example.
I also learned that a goldcrest is so small that you have to put your hand over the film canister in case it tries to fly out.

2025-10-24 13:59:46 UTC

Bird ringing.
I was recently able to watch a bird ringing demo. I've previously spotted the little metal rings and reported them to find out more about the bird, but this was the first time I'd watched it being done.
Birds are caught in a mist net, examined, ringed and weighted. They're quickly released unharmed. See alt text for more info.
WWT Martin Mere, UK. Oct, 2025.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/429/455/593/390/338/original/b360b32363eab338.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/429/455/598/520/180/original/6e923580f523287a.jpg
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https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/429/455/615/906/725/original/4a1bd8065d6b1624.jpg

2025-10-17 08:46:14 UTC

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Finally, for #FungiFriday, here are a few of the many mushrooms I found on the Isle of Man.
It's a good year for mushrooms, but even so, I was surprised by the number and variety that I found.
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/388/614/487/354/348/original/08cf6f2f1ce5c6c8.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/388/614/412/061/841/original/65164c6caa44e0c9.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/388/614/271/199/495/original/638fd8cd5d9e19d6.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/388/614/528/130/832/original/b850741628885ff4.jpg

2025-10-12 19:47:48 UTC

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Some more photos from the Isle of Man.
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/903/635/116/242/original/ddca0290f2a9260c.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/903/647/683/859/original/ee9bdbe6e37a81c3.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/903/661/790/594/original/8fe8942b22fc5640.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/903/677/617/781/original/4fc726112960f93c.jpg

2025-10-12 19:42:15 UTC

Isle of Man.
Apparently, I can't spend every holiday photographing birds, so here are some non-bird phone snaps of our recent trip.
I found the Isle of Man to be a slightly strange place. It's another country but feels extremely English. It felt insular in a way that, the far more remote, Shetland didn't. The landscape was great though and we went on some great walks. I'd happily go back for some bird watching too.
#BirdPhotography #IsleOfMan
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/864/204/729/240/original/928325d6562c6642.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/864/250/514/446/original/6b724e20c2228c6b.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/362/864/362/471/907/original/6d4b0fd88306d44f.jpg

2025-10-07 16:24:04 UTC

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they're only looking at direct costs to the NHS for acute care, long COVID isn't included in the evaluation. I don't know why this is, although I believe under the previous government a number of vaccine "skeptics" got into JCVI. It's frustrating! I'm also not sure why the cost benefit has changed this year compared to previous ones, given that COVID hasn't meaningfully changed. It's disappointing there hasn't been more of an outcry about it.

2025-10-06 09:38:20 UTC

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Me either! It sounded a bit like the island you visited, although I suspect anywhere in Denmark is going to be much better.
Oh, thank you. That's something I'd not considered before. I'll let you know if I try it. I'll definitely check out some of the YouTube examples though.

2025-10-04 19:39:35 UTC

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thank you! 😊
They're lovely birds to watch, but challenging to photograph. I really like your pictures of them too 😍

2025-10-04 19:27:51 UTC

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😍

2025-10-04 19:27:04 UTC

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I'm heading off to the Isle of Man on Monday, where I'm hoping to relearn the art of enjoying doing nothing after some busy months. Your posts have been useful inspiration.
Really glad that you're enjoying the evening. That does sound fun 😊

2025-10-04 19:13:31 UTC

Bearded tits.
It's that time of year again, when the bearded tits (or reedlings) come out of the reeds and head to the grit trays. Autumn means a change in diet for these birds and an opportunity for photographers. As the weather cools, the birds switch to eating seeds and use the grit to help digest them.
There are only 700 pairs in the UK, but they are quite widespread.
Sept 2025. Leighton Moss.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/317/447/094/069/858/original/9d629b1417b04267.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/317/448/075/316/993/original/edeab41ff3ab354c.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/317/448/379/745/499/original/7646eb1053cb7487.jpg

2025-10-04 17:33:20 UTC

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thanks!
I hope you've been able to find something pleasant to do. The photos from Google maps make it look like a lovely island, although they were all taken in good weather.
Anyway, enjoy the rest of your holiday!

2025-10-04 10:35:02 UTC

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mine's a coffee, thanks for asking :)
Looks like a lovely coffee shop. It's a bit too wet and windy here to venture anywhere today. I did cycle to one of my favourite cafes yesterday before the weather turned though.

2025-09-28 13:17:15 UTC

I'm a week late in posting this, but I had a great time at #PyConUK last weekend.
All of the talks are now online and worth checking out. In particular, my amazingly talented colleague, Katie, gave a talk about doing hard things as a junior engineer and how other engineers can provide support.
https://youtu.be/7yfGMMei0b8?si=KKnkPhrotMHO1yZQ