Lucy B

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

Last Notes

2025-09-27 19:54:15 UTC

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really glad that you like it ☺️
I rediscovered it earlier and it made me smile too. It also reminded me that I need to get back out on my bike!

2025-09-17 17:40:45 UTC

Help end pavement parking in England.
Living Streets are running a campaign to end pavement parking in England and are asking for help. They're looking for people to contribute examples of particularly problematic pavement parking in their local area. The map will be open until 22nd Nov.
#ActiveTravel #FuckCars #PavementParking
https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/end-pavement-parking-in-england/

2025-09-07 15:13:55 UTC

Grey heron.
A great hunter, who's not afraid of causing upset. Makes a sound that leaves no doubt of being descended from dinosaurs. Tendency to stand very still, making them popular with photographers.
August 2025. Stockport, UK.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/163/624/465/728/610/original/e0c544fd7fb072a4.jpg

2025-09-05 12:41:49 UTC

The Guardian are running two stories about tax avoidance today and I'm reminded of this Terry Pratchett quote:
"Privilege just means 'private law'".
#politics
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/115/151/718/591/192/029/original/c2ada8e236001b5f.jpg

2025-07-05 15:09:10 UTC

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weight bouncing around a lot is probably just water retention and some change is to be expected (I'm not sure when it becomes not normal though).

2025-07-05 15:07:24 UTC

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this is definitely an area the NHS falls down on. The only advice I've seen them give is to eat less/more/better, which is not helpful.
I would recommend trying to count calories and macro nutrients (e.g fat, salt, sugar, carbs and protein) for a couple of weeks to get a baseline.
Also, regarding chocolate, have a look at buying better quality chocolate with a higher cocoa %. The supermarket premium own brands are a good starting point. You'll get less sugar and you'll eat less.

2025-06-15 16:21:19 UTC

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this data seems extremely questionable. I can't believe that Manchester, Stockport, Salford or Rochdale have some of the lowest rates of theft in the country. I think it's more likely that it's not being reported or registered by the police.
Do you know if these figures include instances where someone is attacked so that their bike can be stolen or does it just cover instances where the bike is left unattended? I feel like the former is becoming more common in many areas of GM.

2025-06-15 14:34:16 UTC

If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning to code (or just seeing what it's about for a day), then this Django girls workshop is an excellent opportunity. I've helped at a few and it has always been a lot of fun. The folks running it are really friendly and inclusive. It doesn't require any experience or any particular interest in Django, as you'll learn plenty of core concepts that go beyond one framework or language.
Please share!
https://fosstodon.org/@PyConUK/114669454909763102

2025-05-10 19:24:38 UTC

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The numbers of sand martins is relatively stable at the moment, but they eat insects and insects are seeing a worrying decline. Anecdotally, I feel like this year will be better, but we've lost so much and haven't addressed any of the underlying problems.
"The latest data shows that the number of flying insects sampled on vehicle number plates, across the UK, has fallen by a staggering 63% since 2021."
https://www.buglife.org.uk/news/bugs-matter-survey-shows-ongoing-decline-in-uk-flying-insects/

2025-05-10 18:28:44 UTC

Sand martins.
It always feels like spring has sprung when these little guys return from their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa. I always worry there won't be enough food available in March, but somehow they survive. Now they're busy squabbling and delivering food back to their nests.
May, 2025. Stockport, UK.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/114/484/926/159/003/681/original/79dd819267869b8b.jpg

2025-04-29 16:20:48 UTC

Obligatory work post...
We're hiring again for some senior software engineers and a product manager. We're all remote, but with an option to go into the office in Oxford. UK-based only. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to make a difference and use their code to help researchers in clinical data research.
(I'll share some more bird photos again soon, I promise)
https://www.bennett.ox.ac.uk/blog/2025/04/hiring-software-developers/
https://www.bennett.ox.ac.uk/blog/2025/04/hiring-an-opensafely-product-manager/
#GetFediHired #jobs

2024-11-09 15:16:20 UTC

Cattle egret.
These birds are relatively new to the UK. They first bred here in 2008 and then a second time in 2017. Their population is now increasing rapidly, thanks to climate change, and we're now seeing dozens/hundreds of birds over winter. I'm sure we'll see even more in the future too.
Martin Mere. October 2024.
#Birds #BirdPhotography #Wildlife #WildlifePhotography #UKWildlife
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/113/453/622/921/024/874/original/f54af049aaddde75.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/113/453/622/918/486/450/original/63d1eff44ce3461e.jpg
https://cdn.mastodon.org.uk/media_attachments/files/113/453/622/922/452/458/original/05161606eacd18cc.jpg

2024-09-11 12:14:37 UTC

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iirc that place was how you ended up in your current job ☕.

2024-09-11 11:50:52 UTC

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oh no, that's a real shame 😔

2024-09-01 17:03:37 UTC

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walk-in centres are no good for x-rays, I thought? A GP will be able to make a referral to x-ray without needing to wait in A&E though.
Agree that it's definitely worth getting professional advice. Even if it's "only" inflammation rather than cracked, it's worth getting diagnosed and treated properly. Ibuprofen is good for a couple of days, but there are better options out there, and while it's good for inflammation it may slow bone repair.