Well, I've been told to put round red ornaments (or paint golf balls red) out before your plants grow too much. Birds will peck and find it is nothing and ignore the real thing. Take old shiny CD's or hard drives from computer and hang them around your garden. Birds do not like shiny things. I would think crumpled alum foil tied to string would do the same. Cut strips of both solid black and solid yellow fabric and tie to tall stakes in the garden, leaving about 12" tail. Supposedly squirrels and birds will thing these are bigger birds. These were hints from a Master Gardener here in Houston last year. I also have a big ole scarecrow and huge plastic owl at opposite ends of my garden. Then again, I believe in planting plenty to share with critters. Good luck!