Top is Kadota, right is Ronde de Bordeaux and left is Orourke. Kadota was slightly sweeter, RDB figgier and Orourke was a day early. Birds are really getting the best of me and I am hunting for those little draw string mesh bags that Bass uses. Source for my Orourke was James Robin before anyone asks me. It does have 3 lobed and 5 lobed leaves, but I don't recall which has both leaves, Orourke or Improved Celeste.  Whichever it is, last year it produced very sweet figs which I anticipate again if I am able to let it ripen properly. 

Birds got a big fat Cucumber, LSU Tiger, Bisiri Dark, Dark Portuguese, Aubiqua Petite and one famously called Bulls Balls.

I've gotten the little organza bags at the Dollar Store....like 4 for $1 located in the wedding section where the party streamers and paper napkins/tablecloths are.

Thanks Sophie, that's an excellent lead. Trip to the local Dollar store or Party store tomorrow.

Sophie. Do the organza bags come with ties or how are you attaching them?

Mike, the ones I got have draw strings that you pull in opposite directions to close off the opening around the neck of the fig.  To be extra sure you can then tie them in knot. They have worked really for me.

Barry, I see there are Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores in your area and they have lots of things like that and inexpensive.  Check http://hosted.where2getit.com/joann/  WalMart may also have them in their craft section.  I would guess they can be had for less than 10 cents each.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=organza+bags+5+x+7&_frs=1  for 5x7" bags

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=organza+bags+4+x+6&_frs=1  for 4x6" bags

I got these and have had good luck so far

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-4X6-Peach-Organza-Gift-Bag-Bag-Pouch-Wedding-Favor/150197638714?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=005&category=33156&cmd=ViewItem

I have used footies just a little to experiment.  I've used them on apples and quince to keep out codling moth previously.  Bass tried them but said they wouldn't stay on but I think he just stretched them out too much before placing on the fruit.  I've had one on the same fig for about six weeks and it's stayed on fine.  I bought 12 cases of 144 each for about $65, so the cost is reasonable.  They are not as transparent as these mesh bags, however.

So does the color of the bags matter?

Organza bags are the way to go. They keep out the birds and the bugs when properly secured over a fig. Very easy to use. The drawstring keeps them in place even through strong wind. I bought a 50 pack at Hobby Lobby for $11.

Color does not appear to matter. I got green to try to mask the fig color...  ;o)
They appear to work well when you only have a couple figs ripening at a time.

Ordered the 5 x 7 on amazon

The only caveat with these bags is that you're cinching them around the neck and/or stem so not too tight.  Then you have to realize that the drawstring keeps the fig from drooping so you have to check softness.

Well I picked up a package of them from a local craft store, but they are kinda small 3" x 4", so I also ordered some 5" x 6" from an ebay seller. Hope they do the job.

I like the 5 x 7 myself

It was 4 x 6 I bought, geez I hope they are ok.

Barry,

I'll trade you three of my squirrels for two of your birds.
I think you should go for it because this is a once in a lifetime offer you can't refuse.

LOL@rafed! My puppy got her mouth on a stinkin squirrel yesterday. Our privacy fence was just completed on Sunday night and I let her outside yesterday afternoon and she zeroed in on one just behind a tree that I never saw! He squirrelled away from her but it was really touch an go for a few seconds. Then she nearly went over the stupid fence after him! less than 12inches and she would have got her front feet on top. Scared me to death.

BLB, don't worry about those bags. They'll work fine for you and Turquoise is in this season! :D

I ordered moss green bags, guess I was in a conservative mood at that moment. Rafed, no birds in hand just a few in the bush er tree 

Geez got out late today to check on my figs and put the few mesh bags I purchased today on and discovered that the birds really cleaned me out. I put all dozen bags on various figs, but clearly I need many more I just hope my ebay order comes very fast or I'll have to go buy more small ones locally. No I don't think I should wait, better go out tomorrow and get more bags.

I have ordered on eBay the cheapest ones from Taiwan of different sizes and they arrived in 5 days! 
I got in green and sage colors to mask the figs, the bags work very well. Easy on - easy off.

Keep your birds back east as the ones here are numb nuts for i have fountain right in middle of some of the fig plants and over the years never a fig was bothered by them but they love to take their morning baths in fountain .

Must be a nest or 2 close by, I saw a fledgling eating a fig, damn!

I got the 4x6 and they're fine. 

Maybe it is true that the birds are looking for a drink rather than wanting to eat the fruit.