You are right, seed block is a BAD idea.

We resorted to bird netting over a hoop support in raised beds for the leafy greens. A short-time barrier of chicken wire keeps them out of the peppers.

We also have a "jungle" of lightly maintained desert plantings they can scratch in and leave those seeds where they land, so the quail have more to eat than veggies. They eat squash blossom petals, leave the leaves alone, eat the Tecoma blossoms and leaves they can reach ... and devour things like cheeseweed.

I think I'd like qualis in my garden better than pansies or whatever, but I'm not trying to grow non native flowers or vegies.

You could always trap them and eat them, as long as you know how to prepare them. And don't live in California (state bird.)

I've used a "hawk" kite in the past, & it worked OK if a breeze would cooperate. Some folks also have luck with coyote scent/droppings.

Failing the above, maybe put your pet(s) to work! Any ornery female house cat or one of the pointing-breeds of bird dogs would have endless fun with them.