CPL's can be a little tricky Rich, I think a number of tests would be a good investment towards better IQ in the long term.
Exposure can be a very subjective thing, to my eye, this looks pretty good, specially in consideration of the environment.

Having just viewed the Lightbox example, I see what you mean.
While your images of birds on poles are truly captivating and good tools to evaluate tele lenses, my personal interests probably lean more towards your example above.
I'll add some more shots from the weekend.