I was at my local produce stand whining about the critters getting all my produce, and the young man there told me to cut up bars of Irish Spring soap and put them in the ground near my plants or to stick a hole in them and hang them from branches.  Said critters like squirrels, rabbits, etc. don't like the smell of IS.  No help for birds, but critters don't like the "manly smell."

I hope you don't mind me adding another remedy to this post. I do know that moth balls keep dogs and cats out of an area, maybe it would also work on other critters.
"gene"

I've heard mixed reviews on the Irish Spring, at least concerning deer, but not all animals are the same, even among the same species, so if it works for you it works.

We had an unfortunate snake incident a few months ago (one got under the house) and the guy who came and got him for us (I'm brave but not that brave) told us that moth balls help deter snakes.  Snakes are also said to hate clove and cinnamon, so we went with the clove and cinnamon as we try to have as few chemicals around as possible.  And so far no more snakes, and our crawl space smells like pumpkin pie.

We have have very good success with "Deer Off" (I think that's what it's called) an all natural spray made from rotten eggs, garlic, and hot peppers.  It smells pretty bad right at first, but the deer won't touch anything sprayed with it.

Best wishes.

John