Jaguarbass, guess I jumped the gun, good analogy with rattling the cage!
Finally-free, I don't know what kind of parrot it is (green and yellow) probably middle sized. I had an African Grey parrot, and they do love being with humans out of the cage. When mine couldn't be out, he was kept by a big window so that he could sun himself and watch the world go by. I guess I am also most worried about the bird.
Thanks everyone for you suggestions, and thanks for listening, sometimes you just have to talk about a situation to get your head wrapped around it.
r.