Hi Jim

I often think people who can get the clear uncluttered backgrounds are just plain lucky.Often when I am out in the wild (forest, heavy bush etc) and trying to capture birds I dont have much choice. I would rather get the shot with foliage/branches/backgrounds etc than miss the
shot altogether. And even taking the time to reposition one self in hope of a 'better' background risks scaring the spooky/shy birds away.

In my wildlife shots I would prefer to use photoshop as
a last resort, rather than a crutch.

I like your range of shots, even the "butt" shots (I didn't even know that butt shots were considered a no-no, I have lots of them myself).

Are you restricted in how many pieces (different images) you can submit for the exhibition? If you do that might help us also narrow it down and maybe offer some further
guidance?