figs and birds

You could try plastic bottles tied to the branches.
some people say put a little water in them so the dont get jammed in the branches.

Bird netting the whole tree is the only proven and guaranteed method.

You can get red mylar tape (sometimes called fire tape) that can be hung on the trees. It makes the tree appear to be on fire (if you're a bird) and we've had good success with it. Only the occassional catbird seems to brave it.

Ficus are famous sidewalk tearers. Trust me on that. If no pavement nearby, good.

Ficus usually wins over land and sea and foam.

I've no idea re individual figs (ficus), say carica, and birds of your locality.

From Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology:


Quote:
During fall and winter, the mockingbird diet consists primarily of wild fruit including holly, blackberry, pokeberry, sumac, poison ivy, Virginia creeper, and prickly pear. A propensity for devouring grapes and other cultivated fruit has at times earned it the enmity of growers. Throughout the year, but especially in the breeding season, insects and other arthropods are taken on the ground in areas of short grass, such as suburban lawns, or bare earth.


Google brought up this.
We have an abundance of mockingbirds, as my poor dog would attest (They swoop down on her during the season when their young are getting big enough to leave the nest).

The mylar tape sounds worth a try. I will get some Saturday. Thanks to all who responded.