Pictures not as clear as I expect.

Wow, what a difference! Keep it up.

I agree that butterfly shot looks really nice.
One thing I will add that if you want to get close to wild birds set up a feeding area in your backyard (as long as you have a house etc).
Also erect some type of blind or something to keep you out of view of the birds. Once they get comfortable with your feeding area, you can go to your blind and get nice close shots of your daily visitors. Depending on your situation you could probably get nice shots with the focal lengths you have.
Also saw a pop up type camo tent blind in the for sale area for 85.00.
Come to think about it I could use that.

You are definitely on the right track!

I dont think the baseball ones look bad at all especially being rite out of camera. I wouldnt considerr the t2i a bad camera considering it has the exact 7D sensor in it. The baseball photos look good to me and with a little PP ing will look good enough. Get yourself a good lens and you will start taking the photos your after.

glad you were able to find some wisdom here among some of the fluff. Nice job!!!

Great shots! but of course some will say unless you have a 1D MK IV or 7D or better those shots are not possible.