Beauty on the farm

Beauty on the farm are photos taken by me to show how wonderful our creator has made the world. I hope you enjoy the pictures, from A as in apples, to Z as in Zebra Swallowtails.

Please do respect any copyrights. You may email me for permissions to use these photos prior to publication. Please include the purpose and location and form of publication. Only when photo does not show a copyright, it is intended to be open source, and is governed by open source license. Feel free to use any open source material, and an honorable mention of where the photo originated would be appreciated. – Mike

• I found a Pleated Inkcap mushroom
  by Mike

  I found a Pleated Inkcap mushroom last summer, Friday, June 13th, 2025. Friday the 13th is typically a lucky day for me, and this one was no exception. This one was found outside the Heckart Community Center in Sedalia, Mo. on natural hardwood mulch. More information can be found here.

  

  Though it was not seen on my farm, I wanted to include it in the Beauty Photos for your pleasure. The Pleated Inkcap (Parasola plicatilis) fruit is short lived. And, in my opinion, the beauty is in the form and color. They ususally dissolve into an inky mush and disappear within about 24 hours. If you are lucky enough to find one, enjoy it quickly. By the way, it is reported that they are not poisonous, but are not edible. Personally, I would not eat it, and do not suggest that one would.

  Mike

• Sunset after the storm
  by Mike

  

  Sunset after the storm was captured by me at the end of the day. A thunder stormy day had finally passed us by, and this gorgeous sunset was the reward! – Mike

• Beehives in the snow
  by Mike

  

  Beehives in the snow was taken after an overnight snow storm. Of course, the bees are huddled inside, awaiting a spring thaw and warmer temperatures to bring the flowers they need for pollen and honey.

• Fall foliage at sunset
  by Mike

  

  Fall foliage at sunset was taken by me at sunset. A thunder storm passed through shortly before. The evening light was muted by clouds in the west, with the sun peaking underneath them.