damage to hole

Question
(1)We have birds who damage our holes on the putting greens. During play of the hole, (a) can it be repaired (b) by whom assuming there are 2 of us playing in a competition. We do not have a local rule relating to this question.
(2) Club champs this week - all square on 18th hole. Player off green & elects to putt, bends down and flicks away what appears to be (or what the player thought at the time) was part of an ant hill. Opponent calls him and says penalty - loss of hole and match (no referee) What is the ruling

Answer
Marie:

Sorry for delay.  Lost in shuffle.  I do not have a rule book handy, so I cannot give you an answer yet.  In response to your questions, the hole can be repaired, you just are not allowed to touch the inside of the hole.  I will not give you a ruling answer to your second question until I know I am correct.  At this time, I do not have a rule book, but I wanted to at least answer this email and let you know I received it.  I will check and get back to you if that's OK.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member