![The Ultimate Bird Drawing Throwdown Showdown Graphic featuring images of David Sibley and H. Jon Benjamin](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Flyer_Ultimate%20Bird%20Drawing%20Throwdown%20Showdown%20%281%29.png)
![The Ultimate Bird Drawing Throwdown Showdown Graphic featuring images of David Sibley and H. Jon Benjamin](/sites/default/files/2023-11/Flyer_Ultimate%20Bird%20Drawing%20Throwdown%20Showdown%20%281%29.png)
Join BirdNote tomorrow, November 30th!
Illustrator David Sibley and actor H. Jon Benjamin will face off in the bird illustration battle of the century during BirdNote's Year-end Celebration and Auction!
A Merlin perches near photographer Gregg Thompson to stretch. Stretching is important for all athletes including Merlins - fierce and powerful fliers relying on high speed and quick maneuvers to catch small birds. See how this graceful bird works wings, neck, shoulders, legs, and finally does a beautiful "downward merlin."
![Merlin stretching Merlin](/sites/default/files/2020-06/merl_stretching_gth1_0.jpg)
![Merlin](/sites/default/files/storage/merl_stretching_gth2.jpg)
![Merlin](/sites/default/files/storage/merl_stretching_gth3.jpg)
![Merlin](/sites/default/files/storage/merl_stretching_gth4.jpg)
###
All photos © Gregg Thompson