Philip A. Clarke is a consultant anthropologist working in native title and Aboriginal heritage. With an academic background in both science and anthropology, his research interests are focused on the ethnosciences, in particular Australian ethnobiology and ethnoastronomy. He is also the co-author of Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South-eastern Australia (CSIRO Publishing, 2018).
"""By raising awareness of Aboriginal ornithological knowledge, this book provides fascinating insight into the role of birds as totemic ancestors and spirit beings, and explores Aboriginal bird nomenclature, foraging techniques, and the use of avian materials to make food, medicine and artefacts."" * Wildlife Health Australia * From the Prologue: ""Since the dawn of time our people have had a spiritual, environmental and cultural connection to all birds and their habitats. Whether it be through our Ngartji [ngaitji] system which defines our roles and responsibilities of caring for Country and all in it, our storylines and songlines, as a food source, as a material source or as a transmitter of messages – birds are and have always been a part of our daily rituals and wellbeing. This book encompasses all that is our connection to Country and self."" -- Mark Koolmatrie * Ngarrindjeri Elder *"