I was admiring Merlin this morning and just wondered about something that his owner posted. They said "when he goes out." I am assuming when he does go out it is in a cage. Am I correct? The reason I ask is that I have read other stories where I think the bird owner took him out on a shoulder, etc. My question (probably silly) is why don't they fly away? Can you train a bird to stay on your shoulder, even if it's outside? My bird ignorance is showing. I would love to have a bird, but we have a set-back thermostat in our house and I am afraid it would be too cold for birds in the overnight hours. Please give this "cat/dog person" some "bird knowledge." Thanks