I saw him the next day, but unfortunately all I had with me was the .22 pistol.
I cranked off a round from about 20 yards and missed, then emptied a magazine chasing him down the fenceline and into the woods.
Haven't seen him since, so maybe he got the hint.
Being a nasty, suspicious, distrusting old grouch, I only let the birds out for a couple of hours in the morning for now.
I also invested in a wireless IP Cam that sends motion alerts and video to my cell phone, so when they're out I've got an eye on them.
Mystery solved...
Re: Mystery solved...
Read about bobcats after your reply to me, and of course I had hear about those but I guess never gave it a second thought or knew they were called bobcats.