I've had this rusty old sculpture I bought in Sedona 15 years ago in a box for years now. I was thinking about it and as it does look a bit creepy and the head moves up and down in the wind (and during earthquakes) it might make a decent bird deterrent.
My Phoebes just finished fledging their last clutch so I'm not worried about scaring them. They are great birds to have around as they eat tons of bugs and never bother figs, but as you can see in the picture they pick the oddest places to nest. This light is directly over the door I use the most.
Anyway I'm hoping this sculpture may even intimidate the tree rats for a while. 
And the war for the figs goes on.

Well, I guess that is idea #64... or so.   I am liking all of the ideas and suggestions I am seeing.  I wonder if the bobbing head makes a screeching sound or something.   I was just thinking again about this issue today and wondering if there are some sound frequencies that are disturbing enough to repel birds and perhaps some of the four legged critters.  Let us know if the birds are responding to the sculpture!

Thanks,
Ingevald

http://www.nixalite.com/birdcontrolproducts.aspx?gclid=CLGQ886mybgCFcOe4AodIUsAoQ

http://www.bird-x.com/

LOL I love it!!! Hope it works for you. I'm going the net route, tired of coming out each morning seeing new figs half eaten  $$@%%@%$^$&^&%&!!!!

Now all you need is a tree that throws apples and a sign that reads "I'd turn back, if I were you!"

Bob, I looked at that site and the motion detector sprinkler looks pretty good, do you have any experience with it?

Bob - that is a very interesting site that you posted and they even have some kind of frequency blaster listed.   Not sure what the price is for such equipment or if it would violate noise ordinances in the process.
Ingevald

I believe it's not in the human hearing range (except for the predator call unit) and not in the under $250 range.  I've never bought anything from them.  You could try getting raptor calls off the internet and playing them in a random fashion.

Bob, I have dealt with those guys and they are very expensive.
My mammalogy professor said those sound units were garbage - but that was more then a few years ago.
I do know certain calls work incredibly well. If you use an electronic call of an injured bunny, for example, you will get foxes around here provided the sun has set.
Scott please check your nets often as they do tend to kill snakes and other stuff.
Dale you crack me up.
I bought one of those motion detector sprinkler things that looks like a goofy bird last year but sent it back. I want stuff that's built to last for that kind of money.
Bob - can you find a site that sells armed drones programed for certain birds and ANY  squirrels?

That thing would keep me the hell out of your yard!

Cal, you made me laugh out loud. funny.

Keep us posted on if it works...creepy thing

I went to a resort in Sevierville,Tn and it had a bird deterrent, noise maker that sounded like a jet fart every 30 seconds and was very annoying but the birds seemed to like it. I have a Phoebe who built her nest atop a dusk to dawn light on my detached garage. The flycatcher birds and purple martins earn their keep at my house.

Michael,
Nice looking fig collection by the way

CH - I just love the Phoebes. They are so tame and spend all day picking up bugs for me. 

thx Cal -- that's actually not all of them but the camera does take photos that turn corners.