Yes I wanted to keep wind off the tender plants – but actually suffered more slug damage as a result of the fleece! However it would work for pigeons and then after removing it, when plants are starting to run, which is often when I put the canes in, I never notice any setback to plants. Bean canes are not fat and cause little root damage when put in, so you can do it at any time really, before plants are too leggy.
Good luck with pigeons… or could it be deer? they like bean tops.