Gleeaikin; 1) Well, there are no flowers on figs, the fig is the bud of the flower that never blooms. 2) Figs can have a both and early and main season crops, the early fig is called a Breba fig. There are usually a lot less of the Breba, but they are ususally larger. Some varieties will produce almost no Breba figs. Sometimes the variety is grown for the breba figs, which, may have a better taste, some for the better taste of the main season crop. May be cold, but you are probably correct about squirrels or birds eating the figs. It could also be opossums.
Protections; You can buy some green colored 4" x 6" oregami gift bags and put them over the developing figs.
Useful Links;
Ourfigs Articles on fig growing
Figbid Articles
I am growing in mid Atlantic states, temperature zone #7, one area on the south edge of #7. I don’t know if this would change your information. Thanks