The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s live owl nest camera has gone dark after both chicks from Athena’s 2026 nesting season died, ending a closely watched breeding attempt for the Austin great horned owl.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology said Sunday that Athena was no longer tending the nest, prompting organizers to shut off the stream. According to the update, one owlet died April 17 and the second died by April 19. The exact cause has not been determined.
Researchers said a drop in food brought to the nest may have played a role. Cornell also noted Athena had been away from the nest more often at night during a period when young owls still depend on a parent for warmth.
Another unanswered question is the status of Athena’s mate. Cornell said the male has not been seen on camera since April 5. Because male great horned owls typically do most of the hunting while chicks are this young, a prolonged absence could help explain why prey deliveries may have slowed.
The Wildflower Center, which has hosted Athena’s nest for years, said the outcome is a difficult reminder that wildlife cameras capture nature as it is, including unsuccessful nesting seasons. A separate update from the center said Athena had been seen nearby in the trees after leaving the nest and that staff remained hopeful she could return in a future season.
“Moments like this do occur in the wild, even for experienced owl parents,” the center said.
Athena has long drawn a following in Austin, where viewers have watched her raise young above the Wildflower Center courtyard over multiple seasons. This year’s nesting timeline began in early March, when she returned to the site and laid two eggs days later. The owlets hatched in April before both died less than two weeks later.
Organizers thanked viewers and volunteers who followed the nest this spring and said they will continue to look ahead to next year, even after a season that ended in loss.