Layer mask in Photoshop Elements 7.0

Would like some comments from PP experts what you think of my attempt in cleaning up a messy background in this photo.
I used a layer mask and Gaussian blur on the original in trying to clean up a distracting background.
I know it isn't good especially around the bird's nape, tail and back area as there is an obvious bluish 'spill over'.
Any suggestions or how you would have tackled this would be welcomed. Thanks!
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Not easy to do this... if the photo small size.. maybe will not notice but if big.. will be easy to notice the problem.

Still prefer the nature blur

Me still not sure how is the way to do this.. do hope some one can said ^_^

Thanks Nelson. This isn't a keeper because of the poor background so I was thinking of saving it this way. Haha...still have to hit delete hor?

jack2964 wrote:Thanks Nelson. This isn't a keeper because of the poor background so I was thinking of saving it this way. Haha...still have to hit delete hor?

Background some time is not necessary clean.... post your original and see how

The original is like this-very messy.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Ooh.. ya.....

I think these is why we are into birding. the challenge! haha
anyway there are many ways to blur out the BG but like nelson mention. natural blur are still the best. these I won't able to archive. haha

Jack, I've messed about with this image too and this is what I manage to get.
My skills are still not there yet to make it look natural.
Too much blur?...[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Just a thought, is the original image straight out from the camera?
Because I did make an extra pp step that I normally would not have (colour correction).

chongbt wrote:Jack, I've messed about with this image too and this is what I manage to get.
My skills are still not there yet to make it look natural.
Too much blur?...[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Just a thought, is the original image straight out from the camera?
Because I did make an extra pp step that I normally would not have (colour correction).

Thanks BT, no I don't think there is too much blur. I would prefer more blur to make the subject really stand out.
No, the original has been cropped and I think I might have played with the clarity/saturation etc sliders.
The real original is lost in the bowels of Lightroom somewhere.
thanks for your time and effort.