Thanks for the reply!
Omg, using the ground pound on enemies never crossed my mind. 😅 I remember trying to use it on the crate at the beginning and failing (because it wasn't unlocked). And after getting it I guess I just latched onto just using it on that crate, and also other crates. Ground pound for crates, somersault for enemies.
Re: For the somersault - a slower version for when you're not at full momentum could work too. Anything's better than getting hit by something I tried to attack.
I love that skill-teaching bird, btw.