The dogs get their walk, I get to take my camera along, and when I’m lucky, I come home with a few unexpected discoveries.
Like this little fellow, a water frog. Not the easiest subject to photograph — it kept disappearing among the rocks in the stream.

A thistle in bloom, with a Buff-tailed Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) stopping by for lunch.
Bumblebees are not exactly a rare sight, but I love photographing them — when they give me a chance.

Wild carrot in different stages — from delicate flowers to intricate seed heads.

Finally, one last little discovery, a member of the Nemoleontini tribe, resting among the dry grasses. I’m amazed I spotted it at all — it’s so slender and delicate, and almost the same color as the grass. Not a dragonfly, or even a damselfly, but just as fascinating.

For Pepper’s One Step at a Time #24
&
For Terri’s The Flower Hour #45