Audubon's Aviary: Rarely sighted, now visible — but only for the next 44 days

Forty of John James Audubon's magnificent original one–of–a–kind watercolors, painted in preparation for his double–elephant folio print edition of "The Birds of America" (1827–1838), are now on public view at the New York Historical Society's Dexter Hall.

The paintings were sold to the society by his widow, Lucy Bakewell Audubon, in 1863.

Because of their exquisite sensitivity to light, they are only exhibited for a brief period every decade.

This is that period.

After the paintings come down on May 7 of this year they will not be seen again until the year 2016.

If you're in or planning to be in Manhattan anytime in the next 6 weeks, a few minutes spent with the spirit of the great artist might be a good thing.

The New York Historical Society is at 2 West 77th Street; Museum Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 8 p.m. on Fridays); Admission: $10 (students and 65+, $5; under 12, free); 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org.