Second Owlet of Athena the Great Horned Owl Dies at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The center has ended its livestream of the owl family after the second owlet's passing.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A bold, abstract painting in muted earth tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circular patterns, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex natural forces and cycles that impact the survival of young owls.The delicate balance of nature is on display as the Wildflower Center mourns the loss of Athena's owlets, a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by even experienced wildlife parents.Austin Today

The second owlet of Athena, a great horned owl nesting at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, has died overnight. This comes just two days after the center reported the death of Athena's first owlet. While the exact cause is unknown, the Wildflower Center says natural factors can affect owlet survival, including food availability. The center has decided to end its livestream of Athena and her owlets following the second death.

Why it matters

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has been livestreaming Athena and her owlets for weeks, allowing the public to follow the owl family's progress. The death of both owlets is a sad outcome that highlights the challenges and natural risks faced by young owls in the wild, even for experienced parents like Athena.

The details

Athena's two owlets hatched on April 8 and 10. The center reported the first owlet's death on Friday, and then shared news of the second owlet's passing on Sunday morning. While the cause is unknown, the center says a variety of natural factors can impact owlet survival, including food availability. Athena was not in her nest on Sunday, but was seen in nearby trees. The center says this behavior is normal for the experienced owl.

  • Athena's two owlets hatched on April 8 and 10.
  • The first owlet died on April 17.
  • The second owlet died overnight on April 19.

The players

Athena

A great horned owl who has nested at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for years.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

A botanical garden in Austin, Texas that has been livestreaming Athena and her owlets.

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What they’re saying

“Despite Athena's efforts over the past several days, the owlet did not survive. While the exact cause is unknown, a variety of natural factors can affect survival for owlets, including food availability.”

— Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

“Moments like this happen in the wild, even for experienced owl parents.”

— Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

“We're thankful to have shared this time with Athena and her owlets, and for everyone who has followed along.”

— Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

What’s next

The Wildflower Center remains hopeful that Athena will nest with them again next year.

The takeaway

The deaths of Athena's owlets, even for an experienced owl parent, highlight the natural challenges and risks faced by young wildlife. While disappointing, these moments are a natural part of the cycle of life in the wild.