They are more wind pollinated than anything. Insects only play a marginal role so for birds the best protection is open weave bird netting, not solid covers. Solid covers trap heat but the netting still allows for breezes and small insects to have access.

And you don't want it right on the plants but rigged up around them.

Plus there are all sorts of bird-scare things available from the metallic ribbon to aluminum pie pans on strings etc. Anything that will flash, move or make noise.

Dave

I hope those work better than the fake owl and snake I am trying for the other animals, lol!

Thanks--I was wondering about the heat trapping as well. I am wary of bird netting after having to carefully unwrap a young robin one time, but perhaps I will fashion a cage by attaching the netting to stakes.