The Bird Streets are a collection of small streets located in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. They are situated above the Sunset Strip, between Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard. The Bird Streets get their name from the fact that many of the streets are named after different species of birds.
History of the Bird Streets
The Bird Streets were developed in the 1920s as a residential area for Hollywood stars and other wealthy residents. The streets were designed to be peaceful, hidden retreats high above the busy Strip below. The whimsical bird names were chosen both to go with the nature theme and to make the streets more memorable.
Some of the first celebrities to buy homes in the Bird Streets included silent film star Charlie Chaplin, Broadway performer Fanny Brice, and actor Humphrey Bogart. Throughout the mid 20th century, the area continued to attract entertainment business residents seeking seclusion and spectacular city views.
Architectural Significance
In addition to celebrity intrigue, the Bird Streets are also known for their unique architecture. The narrow, winding roads and steep hillside lots necessitated imaginative home designs. As a result, the Bird Streets contain exceptional examples of European, Mediterranean, and contemporary modern styles.
Many of the homes were constructed by well-known architects such as Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, and Paul Williams. For these reasons, the Bird Streets were declared an official architectural preservation overlay zone, protecting significant properties.
Bird Streets Street Names
There are nine Bird Streets roads nestled into the Hollywood Hills. Here are the names and origins behind each one:
Blue Jay Way
Blue Jay Way is likely named after the bright blue plumage of the blue jay bird. It is the most famous Bird Street thanks to British rock band The Beatles. In 1967, George Harrison wrote the song “Blue Jay Way” about staying at a rented house on the street while waiting for Beatles’ manager Derek Taylor to arrive.
Mockingbird Place
Mockingbird Place references the northern mockingbird, known for its unique song mimicry abilities. Actor Rob Lowe lived on Mockingbird Place in the early 2000s.
Nightingale Drive
Nightingale Drive is named after the nightingale bird, which is renowned for its melodious evening singing. The street features striking contemporary homes built into the hillside.
Lark Drive
Lark Drive shares its name with the small lark bird, praised for its cheerful morning singing. It contains just a few properties but spectacular views.
Flicker Way
Flicker Way is likely named after the woodpecker bird known as the flicker. On this street, a famed ultra-modern style house called Cantilever House extends out dramatically over the hillside.
Warbler Place
Warbler Place takes its title from the warbler family of small, soft-singing birds. It is home to the iconic Chemosphere house featured in films and photos.
Skylark Lane
Skylark Lane shares its whimsical name with the skylark bird famous for seemingly “singing” as it flies high in the sky. The street includes homes designed by renowned mid-century architect Richard Neutra.
Avian Drive
Avian Drive gets its name from the broader term “avian” meaning relating to birds. One of the few longer streets in the Bird Streets, Avian Drive winds high above the Sunset Strip.
Robin Drive
Robin Drive references the red-breasted robin bird, considered a sign of spring in folklore. It is the eastern-most Bird Street, perched above West Hollywood.
Recent Controversies
While the charming Bird Streets have long been desired addresses, there have been some recent controversies stemming from their popularity:
Short-Term Rentals
Wealthy investors have been buying Bird Streets homes, then renting them out for short stays through sites like Airbnb. Neighbors complain this destroys the sense of a residential community.
Construction Boom
The streets’ attractive setting and views have resulted in many original homes being torn down for larger, modern constructions. Critics argue this damages the neighborhood’s architectural legacy.
Traffic Issues
The narrow roads and lack of sidewalks make the Bird Streets difficult to navigate. Increased tourism thanks to navigational apps has made traffic and parking problems worse for residents.
Interesting Facts About the Bird Streets
Beyond their famous names, here are some other fascinating facts about this unique Los Angeles neighborhood:
- The area covers just 0.16 square miles but contains over 230 homes.
- Exotic cars are a common sighting along the Bird Streets.
- No two homes are alike, showcasing over a dozen architectural styles.
- Numerous musicians, artists, and actors still reside in the Bird Streets.
- Home prices average from $2 million on the low end to over $20 million on the high end.
- The roads are only 20-26 feet wide with steep drop offs on either side.
- Spectacular views include the LA skyline, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign.
- Famous current Bird Streets residents include Keanu Reeves and Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Numerous luxury retailers and restaurants can be found just below on the Sunset Strip.
- There are strict restrictions on construction to protect the neighborhood’s look and feel.
Conclusion
The Bird Streets of Los Angeles offer a unique residential pocket tucked away in the Hollywood Hills. These cleverly named streets – Blue Jay Way, Mockingbird Place, Lark Drive, and more – have provided secluded hillside living for celebrities and other elites since the 1920s.
The winding lanes showcase one-of-a-kind architecture in styles ranging from Mediterranean to modern. While increased tourism and construction pose challenges to the area’s character, the Bird Streets remain a beloved, magical neighborhood perched high above the bustle of Hollywood.
