Cute burrowing owl babies take a bow in Shrewsbury

But in a few months' time they will be ready to fly the nest and become fearsome predators like their parents.

These burrowing owls are usually found from the Mississippi to the Pacific and from the Canadian prairie provinces into South America.

But these little fellows are living somewhat closer to home – at the Battlefield Falconry Centre in Shrewsbury.

Mark Southall, who runs the centre for birds of prey, has his work cut out though, because the owlet season is in full swing and he is waiting for more eggs to hatch.

And he says that one particularly protective feathered father has taken to guarding his partner aggressively.

It's the busiest time of the year by far for the centre, agrees volunteer Paul Turford.

"The three babies we have that moment are just starting to get their fluff," he said.

"When they are born they are not pretty creatures at all. They will leave the nest in about four months time."

The trio, who are yet to be named, had their first outing to last weekend's Shropshire County Show, where they were taken inside because the weather was too cold and wet.

Although owlets may look defenceless, as they grow up they will certainly be able to take care of themselves.

They get their name from the fact they live underground in burrows that have been dug out by small mammals like ground squirrels and prairie dogs.

They also grow up to be covered in brown spotted feathers and distinctive white "eyebrows" above bright yellow eyes.

They are one of the smallest owls in North America.

Meanwhile, some rescue centres have been inundated with owlets after recent storms saw many baby birds fall out of their nests.

Mr Southall has urged members of the public to leave owlets well alone, and said they were able to cope on their own.

He said: "We are very busy with babies at the moment, and should you find an owlet, please do not bring it in.

"The parents will be watching close by and will feed the owlet on the ground if needs be. They need a lot of specialist care and will use their claws to try and get back on to the tree. When we took the owlets to the County Show they got too cold outside, they are in a special incubator to regulate their body temperature.

"We are feeding them with tweezers at the moment and all three of them can fit in the palm of my hand.

"They will grow a lot bigger and if they are in the wild, it's best to let their parents take care of them."

Battlefield Falconry is home to some stunning birds of prey, including hawks and eagles which visitors can take on walks.

The next proud parents in line should be a pair of snowy owls, but so far they haven't let staff take a peek at their clutch of eggs.

• For more information, visit http://bat tlefieldfalconrycentre.co.uk/