David ,

Thanks for sharing these wonderful shots!! The Clearwing Swallowtail is a real show stealer.

Your first pair of mating Wattle Blue is in a classic perfect parallel and at eye level to the butterfly.

I find it easier to establish broadside parallel from a slight distance before closing in, this will also minimize lateral movement when moving in for the shot.

To get eye-level , it is easier to lower yourself below its perch till the legs are obscured , then move up slightly till all the legs are visible. This will also lessen the shadow cast on the perch.

No birds?? I recall the wet season is also the bird season and the flocks of birds was always a threat to aircraft when we have to stage through Darwin from Singapore to the east coast of Australia.


Cheers!