After reading your work done so far again, I would also say that a cylinder bore full of bird seed could have played a role in bending pushrods as well.
To that point, before you throw the head back on, tip it upside down and fill the combustion chambers with diesel, kerosene, carb cleaner etc.
Let it sit and make sure none leaks past the valves into the ports.
These motors tend to bend pushrods WITHOUT bending the valves, but at this point you should be 100% sure before slapping the head back on.
Once you are done with this thing your motor will be pretty much fully rebuilt!