I found someone’s AirPods trying to return

Hello,

Depending on which model of AirPods you found you may be able to find a message from the owner with contact info they provided. If Lost Mode isn't available for that model or if the owner has not marked them lost you would only see the last four digits of their phone number I believe.

Use the Find My app to locate a missing device or item - Apple Support

"What happens if you turn on Lost Mode for your item

When you turn on Lost Mode for a personal item with an attached AirTag or a supported third-party product, you can share a message with your phone number or email address. If someone finds your AirTag, they can see the message by tapping and holding the top of their iPhone or NFC-capable smartphone to the AirTag to open found.apple.com. If someone finds your supported third-party product, they can open the Find My app on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, choose the Items tab, tap Identify Found Item, and select the item from the list to see your message."

If the AirPods had Find My Network enabled and still have a charge just being near them with an iPhone could help their owner find them by updating their location to where you found them. If they are not charged you may help the owner track them and you may see a Lost Mode message if you can charge the case/AirPods so they can connect to the Apple device network.

If the AirPods are not one of the models with Find My network available the owner can see their "last known location" so it may be best to leave them in place if they are somewhere indoors or leave them with a nearby business if in a parking lot.

I hope this helps.