Nine GBC members explored the old Llanilid open cast area this morning, with member Rob Jones leading us around his local patch – thanks Rob!. It was pretty hot and humid for most of the time and we only managed to log 22 species.Sadly neither Little Ringed Plover nor Lapwing, both of which breed at the site, were seen. The highlight was undoubtedly the Brown Hare sitting distantly in the field where we were looking for the Lapwings. There were plenty of butterflies, with Peacock, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue noted. Other winged wildlife comprised plenty of hoverflies on the patches of umbellifers. I’m afraid the heat got to me, and I’m very grateful to Ed Heery who carried my ‘scope for me on the return leg, and for the energy bar that Jan supplied. No birdy pix I’m afraid but hopefully these are of interest. I am seeking advice on the ID of the ‘sp’ hoverflies, from the Hoverflies FB group. The Marmalade Hoverfly is Episyrphus balteatus. John Wison