I find myself somewhat torn on this subject, to be honest.
I strongly support the sentiments - that people should focus on the art and process of bird photography rather than equipment, and 'get out and do it'. I also think the article makes some good points about how to improve bird photography.
However, I think we need to be realistic about this. I used to have some sympathy with the idea that 'equipment doesn't matter'. That was until I actually started taking bird photography seriously. Then, I realised that bird photography was (perhaps more than any other type of photography) an area where equipment does matter. Yes, it's possible to take a bird photo with just about anything in the right circumstances but it doesnt follow that any equipment is good bird photography equipment. The article is a bit disingenuous to the extent that it is saying your camera doesn't matter, when a lot of the suggestions put forward need the right camera and lens - eg blurring of the background really needs a telephoto lens with a reasonably wide aperture, and birds in flight photos are difficult with even good, dedicated equipment set up right. I also think that the photos the author has used to illustrate the article were shot with some pretty decent equipment.
You don't need the latest CaNikSon with a 600mm prime lens costing some $15000 to get into bird photography, but you do need a happy medium which balances the cost-benefit equation. A modern APSC or micro four thirds camera with a zoom somewhere in the region of 400mm (APSC) or 300mm (micro 4/3) seems an excellent compromise and something towards which beginners can aspire. The lens needs to be of reasonable quality and the camera capable of being reasonably responsive and focusing quickly. We won't do our members any favours by suggesting that unsuitable equipment will be anything other than a recipe for frustration in the long term. Sure, I can paint my house with a 4 inch brush - after all, its the colour that counts, isn't it? But it will be a hell of a lot easier with a good quality roller...
Simon