Just got a budgie (first one) yesterday.

 

Whenever I am near, he opens his mouth, showing his tongue as if he was yawning. This doesn't happen all the time, but it happens alot. What does this mean?

im not quite sure actually sorry i cant help

usually this means that he's a little scared and he's getting prepared to nip at you. when you go near him and he does this, does he stop if you start to back away?

i agree, he is probably trying to scare you off in a little "im warning you if you step any closer...." kind of way. tequila does this when shes grumpy put if i put my hand in the cage she won't bite and she'll step up onto my hand. your bird would probably try to have a go at your hand if you got too close.

The apparent problem has now stopped.

he doesn't open his mouth anymore, he has probalby finally started to settle in.

 

I have a 'follow-up" question though.

 

If Sammy preens and fluffs himself in my presence, is it good, or bad?

it is good, he is starting to feel more comfortable around you!

yes its very good, my hen still wont do that and i have had her for about a year now