February 1, 2011 Northern Shrikes on the move south?

While birding west of Ottawa today I observed 5 Northern Shrikes at various locations in the Kanata and Perth areas. This winter the Northern Shrike have been scarce and I wonder if these are individuals on the move south in search of food. With the increase in Common Redpoll, American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin there is plenty of food for them to find. Also observed 1 American Kestrel near Perth sitting on a spruce tree in a backyard. Kestrels have been also scarce this winter. The 8 Canada Geese wintering at a storm sewer outlet in Kanata south were still doing well and was a lone Canada Goose along the Mississippi River in Almonte. The Brown Thrasher near Dunrobin is still doing well and hopefully will survive the winter. Unfortunately no more reports of the Pine Warbler near Manotick. Last observation January 16th.