Beginner Gardening: Seeding for flowers, Suggest how against birds/weeds?, 0 by RESORT2ME

RESORT2ME wrote:
I'd like to sow seed directly in beds this September. I desire not to grow in pots for transplanting. Have too many for that. New selection of seeds are ready as soon as the many beds are made.

Will make several of what is presently lawn, in front of many large shrubs and under crepe myrtle trees. How to do this now that will best produce few weeds and yet protect from birds eating the seeds and rabbits eating fresh shoots come Spring? Deer and moles can be problematic also.

I can kill off grass and figured building up with new bagged top soil/peet-moss/or whatever. The dilema, if I cover seeds with screen or mulch, how can the flower plants grow? I don't wish to mess up root systems of existing plants/trees, but had thought of laying down rabbit wire. Maybe build cages of netting over each bed? That still doesn't address the weed control.

I task those of experience for suggestions.