Nathan Watson takes Australian Geographic people’s choice award for snap of tiny honey possum at Cheynes Beach

Albany’s Nathan Watson has won the people’s choice award for the 2023 Australian Geographic nature category with his snap of a honey possum taken at Cheynes Beach.

The tiny nocturnal marsupial, which usually weighs around 7g-10g, is a vital pollinator for native plants in its indigenous habitats in the south west of Australia.

Mr Watson said the snap was a “culmination of patience and persistence”.

“After spending several mornings across multiple weekends sitting quietly in the bush staking out this beautiful native, I was treated to this wonderful moment with a tiny honey possum,” he said.

“Instead of scurrying down the stem as is usually their habit, the possum paused its climb, hanging by its tail and gripping a leaf with its front paws for balance while licking up the last sticky drips of nectar from its whiskers.

“To have an image connect so strongly with visitors to this year’s exhibition is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for capturing and sharing the breathtaking moments that nature offers.”

South Australian Museum chief executive Dr David Gaimster congratulated Mr Watson on his win in the annual competition run by the museum.

“We’ve been spoiled for choice with this year’s Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year finalists, with an extraordinary diversity of subject matter and photographic skill on display,” he said.

“From the moment finalists were announced, however, Nathan Watson’s winning image has proven a crowd favourite with its cute but determined subject clearly resonating with visitors.”