I think your dad is making an effort and he's going to make a hell of a lot of mistakes in doing so. My dad wasn't part of my life for a few years (quite a while ago) and it was difficult enough for him to get back on track for a few years, I can't imagine how hard it would be for a ten year lapse. I would try and focus on the positives more than the negatives adn pick your battles. I would class a question about your birthday and a mistake in photos as a battle worth having but obviously that is subjective.
However, if you dwell too much on the negative, then you can never move forwards with the positive stuff. He's making an effort, he's going to cock up, make a fuss when he cocks up something worth making a fuss about. Good luck.