Transducer shooting thru "spray" is total BS. A transducer will not shoot though air and get a return.
It looks like in the picture that the Xducer has 2 issues. First is that is mounted too high on the transom. Second as was said earlier the tail is pointed up too much.

Might check to see if you have it mounted in line with a rib on the bottom of the boat. That can cause a lot of issues.

Might shoot "rnvinc" a pm. His very knowledgeable on the Birds