Original sighting courtesy of Norrie Montgomery. Reported in the Birds Auckland facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/407737962618016/permalink/2242635005794960/
Photo credit Norrie Montgomery.
CLH born in Piha late 2017, banded in Piha January 2018.
A range of maturities. Pale coloured small ones were quite firm, as per the one cut in half. The darker one was softer, but didn't pop like a normal earthball, but instead was soft and 'squished'.
Tool for scale is 50mm wide, hole is 10mm square
Growing on decaying trunk (possibly Griselinia) in native bush. Specimens up the trunk, largest in poor condition looking quite slimey.
Growing in soil gregariously.
Mature native bush.
Specimen collected dehydrated very fast.
Single specimen branched to two main leaders. One branched to a further 5 tips, the other to 6.
On a decaying trunk in mature native forest. More prevalent on the forest edge closer to residential area.
Old specimens on a fallen podocarp (probably Kauri or Rimu). Heavily decayed log that fell apart to the touch. Specimens also decaying, easily detaching from the trunk and filled with fine black 'soil' when crumbled.
Woodhill Forest, on Rimmer Road beach access road. On roadside margin, in pine forest.
Growing in grass under Macrocarpa trees