Athena, a Great Horned Owl in Austin, has become the star of a new reality show thanks to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The nocturnal bird of prey is now the main attraction on a 24/7 live stream cam, showcasing her and her two newly-hatched owlets in the comforts of their nest. The center in Austin, known for its conservation efforts, teamed up with bird experts to grant viewers an intimate glimpse into the wild owl family life.

The Wildflower Center and Cornell Lab had no idea that their feathered friend would become quite the sensation after setting up the camera above the garden's entrance in early March. Now, fans can watch these winged creatures anytime they want, especially since Athena's partner is frequently caught on camera delivering dawn and dusk meals. Athena, who keeps a rather high-profile perch, laid her first egg on March 1 and the second shortly after on March 5. Since then, she's been a diligent mother, incubating her eggs and now feeding her hatchlings - activities that are captivating audiences worldwide.

Especially noteworthy is the camera's infrared technology, enabling night viewing of Athena's primarily nocturnal behaviors. It's the perfect use of modern technology to allow enthusiasts a peek at nature's spectacle without disturbing the family's natural habitat. The Wildflower Center's Executive Director, Lee Clippard, told Wildflower Center website, "Watching Athena so closely in her nest through the new camera has been an incredible experience this year." Clippard continued, "while it’s always been special watching the owlets grow and fledge in person, the camera will make this year extra special as we see them up close."

Charles Eldermire, Project Leader for Cornell Lab’s Bird Cams, also weighed in on the significance of this initiative in a statement, highlighting the rapid growth of these birds. "It will be exciting to thoroughly watch the owlets develop,” Eldermire said. “Watching them transform from sleepy, wobbly nestlings to active, bright-eyed youngsters in only a few weeks really underscores the tremendous pace of the owls' breeding season."

For locals and tourists alike who wish to catch a real-life glimpse of the owlets, the Wildflower Center continues to welcome springtime visitors, proudly boasting over 245,000 annual guests. And for those who can't visit Texas, the owl family is just a click away at the live stream, offering a unique mix of educational entertainment and nature observation around the clock. More information and live footage can be found on the Wildflower Center website and by following their Instagram updates.