Critters at the Morro Bay Library 

Well, if you’ve been to the Morro Bay Library lately, you might have noticed a new kind of regular checking out the scene—and he doesn’t even need a library card. According to *Estero Bay News*, a long-eared owl named Leo (though he answers to Oberon) has become a beloved fixture there. Fifteen years ago, Leo fell from his nest and fractured both wings, leaving him unable to fly well enough to survive in the wild. Now, instead of soaring over the estuary, he’s perched quietly among the stacks, offering a little wild wisdom to anyone who stops by.

It’s a sweet reminder of how our community steps up for its critters. From the herons at the harbor to the sea lions on the rocks, Morro Bay has always been a place where wildlife and neighbors coexist. Having Leo at the library—a place where stories come alive—feels especially fitting. He’s a living lesson in resilience, and a gentle nudge to appreciate the quieter, feathered members of our coastal family. Next time you’re grabbing a book, say hello. He might just hoot back.