Natalie Downe
@natbat.bsky.social
Enthusiastic adventurer, artist, potter, conservation technologist, tidepool guide, California naturalist, community organizer & frontend web developer. WU3M 🦇🦭🦀(🐺🐓🐇) #scicomm
Mastodon @natbat@wandering.shop
Twitter @natbat
Instagram @natbat & @natbat.art
Mastodon @natbat@wandering.shop
Twitter @natbat
Instagram @natbat & @natbat.art
Pinned
Natalie Downe
@natbat.bsky.social
· Aug 2
Hello followers! My name is Natalie, I'm a naturalist, ceramicist, community organizer and occasional technologist. A Brit living in coastal Northern California with my husband @simonwillison.net
- My art instagram.com/natbat.art
- Photography instagram.com/natbat
- Mastodon @natbat@wandering.shop
- My art instagram.com/natbat.art
- Photography instagram.com/natbat
- Mastodon @natbat@wandering.shop
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Light pollution is a relatively easy-to-address environmental problem.
I’ve tried talking about it through the lenses of human and wildlife wellbeing, plus preventing insect, bird, and bat fatalities.
Never got as much conversation as this post. Yet another reason to be grateful for the aurora ❤️
I’ve tried talking about it through the lenses of human and wildlife wellbeing, plus preventing insect, bird, and bat fatalities.
Never got as much conversation as this post. Yet another reason to be grateful for the aurora ❤️
Lots of folks captioning aurora photos like "for a few minutes we didn't think about politics"
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
guess I'm built different, every time I'm out trying to see night sky stuff I frequently think about how much light pollution is entirely preventable with just a tiny bit of regulation
November 14, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Light pollution is a relatively easy-to-address environmental problem.
I’ve tried talking about it through the lenses of human and wildlife wellbeing, plus preventing insect, bird, and bat fatalities.
Never got as much conversation as this post. Yet another reason to be grateful for the aurora ❤️
I’ve tried talking about it through the lenses of human and wildlife wellbeing, plus preventing insect, bird, and bat fatalities.
Never got as much conversation as this post. Yet another reason to be grateful for the aurora ❤️
Just ordered my first pair of reading glasses, I got ones that are also safety goggles! Since most of my up close work leads to potential random things getting in my eyes (clay, glaze, sliver jump rings etc) stoggles.com
Stoggles | Stylish Prescription Safety Glasses
Stoggles are prescription safety glasses that do everything for people who do everything. They wear like glasses, protect like goggles, and are stylish!
stoggles.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Just ordered my first pair of reading glasses, I got ones that are also safety goggles! Since most of my up close work leads to potential random things getting in my eyes (clay, glaze, sliver jump rings etc) stoggles.com
I don’t know who needs to hear this (probably anyone over 40!) - but have you tried taking your evening tablets two at a time?
It halves the amount of time you spend eating the “boring adult popcorn”!
It halves the amount of time you spend eating the “boring adult popcorn”!
November 14, 2025 at 5:23 AM
I don’t know who needs to hear this (probably anyone over 40!) - but have you tried taking your evening tablets two at a time?
It halves the amount of time you spend eating the “boring adult popcorn”!
It halves the amount of time you spend eating the “boring adult popcorn”!
Reposted by Natalie Downe
This is my Chinese cave gecko. It caves less than the Democrats.
November 11, 2025 at 3:41 AM
This is my Chinese cave gecko. It caves less than the Democrats.
Do you need to turn your brain off after a shitty day? May I recommend watching foreign TV with subtitles and a cold glass of chocolate milk?
I’m particularly enjoying “Deadly tropics” French murder mystery with comedy elements, based in Martinique
I’m particularly enjoying “Deadly tropics” French murder mystery with comedy elements, based in Martinique
November 11, 2025 at 6:23 AM
Do you need to turn your brain off after a shitty day? May I recommend watching foreign TV with subtitles and a cold glass of chocolate milk?
I’m particularly enjoying “Deadly tropics” French murder mystery with comedy elements, based in Martinique
I’m particularly enjoying “Deadly tropics” French murder mystery with comedy elements, based in Martinique
I’m late to the party but I think I may be a Stanley cup convert!
I’m really bad at staying hydrated so having a massive and insulated cup keeps my drink cold even when it’s in a hot car! Plus the straw means I keep drinking it and it doesn’t get dust or leaves in it over the course of the day.
I’m really bad at staying hydrated so having a massive and insulated cup keeps my drink cold even when it’s in a hot car! Plus the straw means I keep drinking it and it doesn’t get dust or leaves in it over the course of the day.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 AM
I’m late to the party but I think I may be a Stanley cup convert!
I’m really bad at staying hydrated so having a massive and insulated cup keeps my drink cold even when it’s in a hot car! Plus the straw means I keep drinking it and it doesn’t get dust or leaves in it over the course of the day.
I’m really bad at staying hydrated so having a massive and insulated cup keeps my drink cold even when it’s in a hot car! Plus the straw means I keep drinking it and it doesn’t get dust or leaves in it over the course of the day.
First farmers market of the holiday season today!
I’m experimenting with a new booth layout, I added an extra 4ft table to the mix for that Z layout shape. Before, people would ask permission to come to see the back table & not as many did that as they did today.
This layout really worked!
I’m experimenting with a new booth layout, I added an extra 4ft table to the mix for that Z layout shape. Before, people would ask permission to come to see the back table & not as many did that as they did today.
This layout really worked!
November 9, 2025 at 1:13 AM
First farmers market of the holiday season today!
I’m experimenting with a new booth layout, I added an extra 4ft table to the mix for that Z layout shape. Before, people would ask permission to come to see the back table & not as many did that as they did today.
This layout really worked!
I’m experimenting with a new booth layout, I added an extra 4ft table to the mix for that Z layout shape. Before, people would ask permission to come to see the back table & not as many did that as they did today.
This layout really worked!
I met my first California Red Legged Frog today!
November 6, 2025 at 5:51 AM
I met my first California Red Legged Frog today!
Reposted by Natalie Downe
someone got indicted on the basis of “transporting antifa materials” for allegedly transporting a box of ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
Alarming criminalization of green card holder based on "Antifa Materials" - another attempt to silence dissent and target people critical of this administration
Release Des and the Prairieland Defendants!
Release Des and the Prairieland Defendants!
November 6, 2025 at 5:16 AM
someone got indicted on the basis of “transporting antifa materials” for allegedly transporting a box of ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
THEY’RE PROSECUTING PEOPLE FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM OVER ZINES
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Love how, every time I want to buy, like, a pair of pantyhose online, I have to come up with a new unique password with at least one number and one symbol and one uppercase letter, but the people guarding precious works of art are allowed to be, like, “I dunno, Louvre?”
November 4, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Love how, every time I want to buy, like, a pair of pantyhose online, I have to come up with a new unique password with at least one number and one symbol and one uppercase letter, but the people guarding precious works of art are allowed to be, like, “I dunno, Louvre?”
So it turns out Montara at Halloween is WILD!
What felt like thousands of people coming to a tiny coastal town; pedestrianised streets and most every house kitted out in Halloween lights and decorations. Live bands, raves and trick or treaters in costumes everywhere!
What felt like thousands of people coming to a tiny coastal town; pedestrianised streets and most every house kitted out in Halloween lights and decorations. Live bands, raves and trick or treaters in costumes everywhere!
November 1, 2025 at 5:05 AM
So it turns out Montara at Halloween is WILD!
What felt like thousands of people coming to a tiny coastal town; pedestrianised streets and most every house kitted out in Halloween lights and decorations. Live bands, raves and trick or treaters in costumes everywhere!
What felt like thousands of people coming to a tiny coastal town; pedestrianised streets and most every house kitted out in Halloween lights and decorations. Live bands, raves and trick or treaters in costumes everywhere!
Took part in a Halloween line dancing flash mob at a local pub in Half Moon Bay yesterday!
October 31, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Took part in a Halloween line dancing flash mob at a local pub in Half Moon Bay yesterday!
BBC iPlayer complaint: accessibility isn’t a one size fit all situation, why can’t I have subtitles and audio descriptions on at the same time? You have both for the show I’m watching, why does it have to be either / or??!!
October 29, 2025 at 8:17 PM
BBC iPlayer complaint: accessibility isn’t a one size fit all situation, why can’t I have subtitles and audio descriptions on at the same time? You have both for the show I’m watching, why does it have to be either / or??!!
Discovered a new game to play with pocket gophers!…
Find an active gopher hole, wait till it pops its little head back inside, place some grasses you pic from nearby directly over its hole and wait… gopher snack!
Find an active gopher hole, wait till it pops its little head back inside, place some grasses you pic from nearby directly over its hole and wait… gopher snack!
October 29, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Discovered a new game to play with pocket gophers!…
Find an active gopher hole, wait till it pops its little head back inside, place some grasses you pic from nearby directly over its hole and wait… gopher snack!
Find an active gopher hole, wait till it pops its little head back inside, place some grasses you pic from nearby directly over its hole and wait… gopher snack!
I think I’ve seen this movie…
BREAKING | Truck hauling monkeys carrying hepatitis C, herpes and Covid overturns in Mississippi
Truck hauling monkeys carrying hepatitis C, herpes and Covid overturns in Mississippi
www.independent.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I think I’ve seen this movie…
I dressed as a nudibranch for Halloween at tap dancing class tonight!
(Simon is in a second hand-drag jacket from SF drag royalty)
(Simon is in a second hand-drag jacket from SF drag royalty)
October 28, 2025 at 5:44 AM
I dressed as a nudibranch for Halloween at tap dancing class tonight!
(Simon is in a second hand-drag jacket from SF drag royalty)
(Simon is in a second hand-drag jacket from SF drag royalty)
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Good night, friends.
Thinking of everyone in the Caribbean facing Hurricane Melissa - we hope you and your loved ones all stay safe.
💚
Massive thanks to our NOAA colleagues, literally flying into the eye of the storm, working without pay (‼️), because their expertise saves lives.
#NOAA #FedStrong
Thinking of everyone in the Caribbean facing Hurricane Melissa - we hope you and your loved ones all stay safe.
💚
Massive thanks to our NOAA colleagues, literally flying into the eye of the storm, working without pay (‼️), because their expertise saves lives.
#NOAA #FedStrong
October 28, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Good night, friends.
Thinking of everyone in the Caribbean facing Hurricane Melissa - we hope you and your loved ones all stay safe.
💚
Massive thanks to our NOAA colleagues, literally flying into the eye of the storm, working without pay (‼️), because their expertise saves lives.
#NOAA #FedStrong
Thinking of everyone in the Caribbean facing Hurricane Melissa - we hope you and your loved ones all stay safe.
💚
Massive thanks to our NOAA colleagues, literally flying into the eye of the storm, working without pay (‼️), because their expertise saves lives.
#NOAA #FedStrong
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Critical reporting. Things will get much worse. Get involved with immigrants rights orgs, rapid response programs, street patrols, mutual aid and activist groups. We keep us safe.
🚨BIG changes happening -- ICE leadership is being purged tonight. The old guard, which prioritized targeted enforcement operations aimed at people with criminal records, is being replaced with Border Patrol and Gregory Bovino's "Midway Blitz" style.
Think things are bad now? It'll get worse.
Think things are bad now? It'll get worse.
October 28, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Critical reporting. Things will get much worse. Get involved with immigrants rights orgs, rapid response programs, street patrols, mutual aid and activist groups. We keep us safe.
Reposted by Natalie Downe
SNAP is not the reason your taxes are high.
SNAP recipients don’t need to “just go get a job”.
Most of them work. The rest are disabled, elderly, children or caregivers.
People need & deserve assistance
Your taxes fund wars and tax cuts for the ultra rich
Be mad about that
SNAP recipients don’t need to “just go get a job”.
Most of them work. The rest are disabled, elderly, children or caregivers.
People need & deserve assistance
Your taxes fund wars and tax cuts for the ultra rich
Be mad about that
October 25, 2025 at 8:18 PM
SNAP is not the reason your taxes are high.
SNAP recipients don’t need to “just go get a job”.
Most of them work. The rest are disabled, elderly, children or caregivers.
People need & deserve assistance
Your taxes fund wars and tax cuts for the ultra rich
Be mad about that
SNAP recipients don’t need to “just go get a job”.
Most of them work. The rest are disabled, elderly, children or caregivers.
People need & deserve assistance
Your taxes fund wars and tax cuts for the ultra rich
Be mad about that
Big night in small town Half Moon Bay, it’s drive in movie night at the local high school!
October 26, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Big night in small town Half Moon Bay, it’s drive in movie night at the local high school!
Anyone else think that in the most recent episode of Watson, they exhibited extremely poor biosecurity protocols throughout the whole episode?!
October 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Anyone else think that in the most recent episode of Watson, they exhibited extremely poor biosecurity protocols throughout the whole episode?!
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Another banger from Singer Sound System, this time a cover of Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World on sewing machine powered hurdy-gurdy with attached theremin www.tiktok.com/@singersound...
The Man Who Sold The World // @David Bowie I've had this melody stuck in my head for a while! Do you remember which video game used it 😜? #hurdygurdy #sewinggurdy #cover #nirvana #metalgearsolid...
TikTok video by SingerSoundSystem
www.tiktok.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Another banger from Singer Sound System, this time a cover of Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World on sewing machine powered hurdy-gurdy with attached theremin www.tiktok.com/@singersound...
I made and folded a little booklet that I attached mini bags of haribo to and handed them out at the #nokings rally in Half Moon Bay today.
Printable: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kd92p...
The phone numbers are specific to the CA Bay Area, let me know if you want the Canva template I made.
Printable: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kd92p...
The phone numbers are specific to the CA Bay Area, let me know if you want the Canva template I made.
October 19, 2025 at 2:06 AM
I made and folded a little booklet that I attached mini bags of haribo to and handed them out at the #nokings rally in Half Moon Bay today.
Printable: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kd92p...
The phone numbers are specific to the CA Bay Area, let me know if you want the Canva template I made.
Printable: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kd92p...
The phone numbers are specific to the CA Bay Area, let me know if you want the Canva template I made.
Reposted by Natalie Downe
Head to a protest today. I can almost promise you will feel less hopeless. That's exactly what they don't want. There are more of us than there are of them.
October 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Head to a protest today. I can almost promise you will feel less hopeless. That's exactly what they don't want. There are more of us than there are of them.