If you’ve lived in Austin long enough, you’ve probably heard whispers about her… the queen of the Courtyard… the feathered matriarch who has captured thousands of hearts. For more than a decade, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has been home to a nesting pair of great horned owls — and the star of the show is the incredible Athena.
Every spring, Athena settles into her favorite spot — right above the entrance to the Courtyard, tucked into the sotol planter like she owns the place (because honestly, she does). And when the timing is just right, visitors get a front‑row seat to something truly magical: a wild great horned owl raising her babies.
The Owl Cam That Stole Austin’s Heart
Each year, thousands tune in to the Wildflower Center’s live “owl cam” to watch Athena lay her eggs, incubate them, and (fingers crossed!) raise her owlets.
This year has been an emotional roller coaster. After laying two eggs in early March, the first owlet sadly didn’t make it. Then, as temperatures dropped, it looked like the second owlet hadn’t survived either — and Athena appeared to have abandoned the nest.
But then… a tiny miracle. A camera caught the slightest movement. The baby is alive!!
Austin Wildlife Rescue swooped in (literally and figuratively!) and took the fragile owlet under their care. And now? That little fighter is making a miraculous comeback. Austin is collectively cheering for the tiniest, fluffiest comeback story of the year. Follow the baby's journey on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's website and Facebook page or Instagram page and the Austin Wildlife Rescue Facebook page and Instagram page.
Why the Lady Bird Wildflower Center Needs Us
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center isn’t just a beautiful place to wander — it’s the Botanic Garden of Texas, a hub for conservation, education, and environmental stewardship. And here’s something many people don’t realize: the Center is self‑funded. That means they rely on memberships, donors, and community support to protect habitats like Athena’s and to keep their mission thriving.
Austin Wildlife Rescue also welcomes donations to help care for the 10,000 orphaned, injured, and sick wild animals they support across Central Texas.
How Life Is Better With Friends Is Helping — And How You Can Too
As declared owl‑friends (their My Friends and I book is practically an owl ambassador at this point), Life Is Better With Friends wants to support Athena, her baby, and the Wildflower Center’s incredible work.
So for the entire month of May, they’re donating:
💛 30% of all book sales made with promo code ATHENA to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 💛
Your purchase helps support:
- Athena’s habitat
- The care and protection of her owlet
- Conservation programs
- Educational experiences
- And the Center’s mission to inspire Texans to love and protect our natural world
Get your copy at lifeisbetterwithfriends.com and enter promo code ATHENA. Free shipping.
Why My Friends and I Is the Perfect Way to Show Your Owl Love
The My Friends and I book celebrates friendship, connection, and the little moments that make childhood magical — the same kind of magic Athena brings to Austin every spring. When you buy a book using code ATHENA, you’re not just getting a keepsake… you’re showing off your owl love and are helping protect one of Austin’s most beloved wild families.
Join Us in Supporting Athena, Her Baby, and the Wildflower Center
Let’s rally together, owl‑friends.
Let’s celebrate resilience, community, and the wild beauty right in our own backyard.
Let’s help ensure Athena and her family have a safe home for many springs to come.
And on your next visit to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, let your kids sign the Center’s very own My Friends and I book at Lynda’s Library in the Family Garden — a little way to leave their mark while celebrating Austin’s favorite owl family.
📷 Photo credit: Austin Wildlife Rescue.