Athena the Owl Returns, Lays Egg at Wildflower Center

On Thursday, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center announced that its beloved great horned owl, Athena, has returned to her nesting spot and laid an egg Thursday morning, marking her 16th consecutive year at the center.

"Athena has become part of the spring experience at the Wildflower Center," said Lee Clippard, Wildflower Center executive director. "What began as a remarkable wildlife moment has grown into a shared tradition."

Clippard lauded the center's partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which provides a live webcam for viewers to watch Athena's nest. Those tuning in can observe Athena incubate early in the morning and, after hatching, feed her owlets.

"People around the world can experience this front-row seat to nature," Clippard added. "It’s inspiring, it’s educational and it’s deeply moving."

"Athena has been steadfast, having raised successions of owlets in the same nest, same season after season, with one exception where she abandoned her nest and eggs," said Benjamin Walters, bird cams project leader at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Notably, Athena is a local legend, having been "remarkably consistent" in her loyalty to the garden home at the center. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson named her Austin’s official owl ambassador in 2025.

Viewers who would like to watch Athena's livestream can do so here.