By Monty Siekerman
Richard the Rooster lives!

We last checked in with him in July. He's the guy who has been making his home in the 500 block of South Johnson Street for quite some time now.

Back in July, the fancy chick escaped from its owner on East Lehr. With the help of the Ada Icon, Richard the Rooster's owner was identified and the bird was returned home, but the sly fowl got away again. He took up residency on South Johnson this time. Neighbors have been feeding him, kids who live nearby watch his antics, he's a novelty on a street lined with houses.

But the guy's days may be numbered.

Richard the Rooster's food draws rats, so South Johnson folks have been advised to stop putting food out for him. Will he wander away?

For the past three months, since we last checked in, Richard the Rooster whiles away his time perching on fences, wandering under shrubs, and crossing the road, which begs the question: why did the chicken cross the road.

Richard the Rooster is shy with strangers, especially one with a camera and barking golden retriever in the car. The chick scurried away from the cameraman, hid behind a tree, decided he'd had enough and flew high into a tree...so that's today's photo.

For now, Richard the Rooster is safe high in a tree far away from photographers and barking dogs.