Athena Lays Her Second Egg, Expanding the 2026 Nest
The quiet rhythm of the Wildflower Center owl nest shifted again on March 9 when Athena the Great Horned Owl revealed a second egg beneath her.
Just over four days after laying the first egg of the 2026 season, Athena added another to her growing clutch at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. The moment marks another milestone for one of the most closely followed owl nests in North America.
Now, as Athena settles into incubation, the nest begins a new chapter that could soon lead to the arrival of another generation of Wildflower Center owlets.
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A Growing Clutch at the Wildflower Center Nest
Athena’s second egg arrived during the afternoon of March 9, continuing the familiar rhythm that has defined many of her previous nesting seasons.
Great Horned Owls typically lay eggs several days apart, allowing each chick to develop on a slightly staggered schedule. That natural spacing often helps the brood survive even when food availability fluctuates.
With two eggs now resting beneath her, Athena will spend much of the coming weeks incubating them carefully. Her body heat keeps the eggs at the precise temperature needed for healthy development while shielding them from weather and potential threats.
From the outside, the nest may appear calm and quiet. In reality, an intricate process of incubation and protection has already begun.
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A Nest Site With an Unusual Setting
Athena’s nest sits in a location unlike most owl nests.
Instead of a tall tree or hidden cliff ledge, she has chosen a large sotol planter above the courtyard entrance at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The elevated container provides a secure platform while still offering clear views of the surrounding landscape.
This unique setting has allowed researchers and wildlife enthusiasts to observe the nesting cycle in remarkable detail.
The Cornell Lab Bird Cams began streaming the nest three years ago, turning the site into a live window into the life of a wild owl family.
But Athena’s history at the location stretches much further back.
Sixteen Years of Returning to the Same Nest
Athena is no newcomer to this nesting spot.
The 2026 season marks the sixteenth consecutive year the resident female has returned to the Wildflower Center to breed with her mate.
That level of long-term nest loyalty is remarkable, even for Great Horned Owls, which are known for reusing successful nesting sites.
The pair has proven to be experienced parents. In both 2024 and 2025, Athena and her mate successfully raised two owlets to fledging, a promising sign for the season now unfolding.
With two eggs already in place this year, the possibility of another full nest of owlets is once again on the horizon.
The Role of Athena’s Mate
While Athena takes on the demanding work of incubation, her mate becomes the nest’s primary hunter.
Throughout the coming weeks, he will supply food to sustain Athena and, eventually, the young owlets once they hatch. These deliveries often occur quietly and may not always appear on camera, even though they are essential to the success of the nest.
Great Horned Owls are powerful predators capable of catching a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally fish. Their hunting ability allows them to thrive in both rural landscapes and areas close to human activity.
Behind the scenes of the peaceful nest view, a steady flow of nighttime hunting will soon be supporting the growing family.
What Happens Next at Athena’s Nest
With two eggs now in the nest, the focus shifts toward the long incubation period ahead.
Great Horned Owl eggs typically hatch after about 30 to 35 days. During that time, Athena will remain closely anchored to the nest, turning the eggs regularly and protecting them from the elements.
If both eggs hatch successfully, the quiet platform above the courtyard will transform into a busy nursery. Downy owlets will depend on Athena for warmth while her mate continues hunting to keep the family fed.
Over the following weeks the owlets will grow rapidly, eventually stepping onto nearby branches before taking their first short flights.
For now, though, the nest has entered its most patient phase.
Two eggs rest beneath Athena, and the countdown to hatching has quietly begun.
About the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas is the state’s designated Botanic Garden of Texas. Each year nearly 250,000 visitors explore its gardens, trails, and conservation programs dedicated to protecting native plants.
The center preserves native plants and wildlife as part of the University of Texas Field Station network.
The owl nest above the courtyard entrance has become one of the center’s most unexpected ambassadors for wildlife conservation.
FAQ
When did Athena lay her second egg in 2026?
Athena laid her second egg of the 2026 nesting season on March 9, just over four days after her first.
How many eggs does Athena usually lay?
Athena usually lays two eggs, though Great Horned Owls can sometimes lay three.
Where is Athena’s nest located?
Athena nests in a sotol planter above the courtyard entrance at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
How long do Great Horned Owl eggs take to hatch?
Great Horned Owl eggs usually hatch after about 30 to 35 days of incubation.
What role does the male owl play during nesting?
The male owl brings food to Athena during incubation and continues hunting to feed the owlets after they hatch.
