I accidentally spooked a mother bird from her nest and 2 babies. It’s been hours and she hasn’t returned. Will she come back?

Q: Early this morning I stepped outside and accidentally spooked a bird mother who was with her 2 babies on the ground underneath my trampoline. It has been 5 hours since then and she has not returned. I have been checking on them threw my window so I know I haven’t spooked her again. Will she ever come back?

A: Yes, she will return.  Birds have a very strong maternal instinct.  The best course of action is to leave the babies and nest undisturbed and the parent bird will come back.