I can't call myself a bird "expert" but I know from experience. I've had my tiels for 3 1/2 years and I have like 10 books on them. I also read a LOT about birds on the web, and I've tamed several birds for my friends. If you stand, the bird sees you as a giant, towering above him. You need to sit down and get as close to his eye level as possible, so he sees you smaller and closer to the ground. Good luck!