From Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Our second owlet has fledged! The younger of Athena’s two owlets took the leap this morning and started its newest adventure with a little window shopping at our Shop & Gallery.
Now that both owlets have officially left the nest (the first fledged on May 18), they’ll spend the next several weeks close to home, strengthening their wings, practicing short flights, and learning to hunt - all under the guidance of their parents. Typically, Athena will gather them both in one tree for easier care. Fledglings take around five weeks to master longer, sustained flight.
If you’re visiting the gardens, keep an eye out - you might spot one of Athena’s young perched nearby or following her lead among the trees.
Ditto. I used to think it was a fascinating career path — when I was child-sized (and blithely unaware of myriad sociopolitical comorbitities), but now? Oh, helllll nah. 🫣