Pruning Blueberries

Is it better to prune all of my blueberry bushes in the spring or in the fall? And I doubt anyone will have the answer to this but how do I keep the birds from stealing my blueberries?

I always prune mine in the spring, I have never had a problem. Not sure if that is the proper way though.

I was told by the nursery owner to prune my plants (rabbiteye variety) as soon as the berries have been harvested to allow them to put their energy into new growth so that come spring, they can focus on berry output and not the new growth. Seems logical.

You've probably know or have heard this remedy for keeping the birds away from your blueberries: It can be a little trouble, but you can get what I think is called bird netting at Home Depot/Lowes and simply drape it over the plants or build a frame of some sort which will keep the birds away and allow easy access for you.