Camouflage

You can't expect to just stroll about the countryside and get up close and personal with birds. They are very shy. That's why it's important to adapt a discrete appearance and blend into the natural environment.
I have been lucky enough to have had some military training, as well as been quite keen on paramilitary activities, and i have been able to utilise these skills in my birdwatching activities.
Here is my typical 'multi purpose' get up:

If I'm just off for a walk on the heath or in the woods with nothing particular in mind I'll probably wear this discrete rig, and then if I happen to see an interesting bird I can just grab my camera and spring into action!
For other situations, when i have planned an expedition to photograph a particular bird, I might wear something like this: