Previously our patio had wall-mounted "pod" speakers (as when Spehro
> and wife visited).
>
> But the dumb birds thought the flat-top enclosures were for building
> nests on :-(
>
> So this Spring I pulled them down.
>
> Then I cut a small access hole to feel for clearance and ordered flush
> mount speakers.
>
> Tuesday morning I was greeted by a swarm of bees trying to put a hive
> into my access hole.
>
> Beekeeper came and took away the bees... used my 12' step-ladder
> because of the ceiling height.
>
> I left the ladder standing there so I could go ahead and install the
> speakers.
>
> Today a dove decided to try to build a nest on top of my ladder :-(
>
You want a 'no vacancy' sign. Mount a plastic owl on the flattop speakers and reinstall 'em.
Then try to befriend a Cub scout troop and an arborist. Get a hollow tree from the arborist and erect it for the bees, and a few birdhouses from the Cub scouts so the rest of your local ecology has a niche, preferably sited for leisurely viewing.
Arizona, eh? The bees won't like sun exposure, can you find a shady corner for their condo?