How can I beat the final boss in Ninja Gaiden with one life and bird pattern?

[AmeliaYJ]

I’ve been trying to beat the final boss in Ninja Gaiden on the NES for weeks now. I can get through the last stage consistently, but that final pattern with the birds and the jumping just feels impossible without taking a hit, and I only have one life left. I’m starting to wonder if my timing is just off or if there’s some specific pixel I need to stand on that I haven’t found yet.