Bird experts say about half the world’s 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska and that there are only about 8,000 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states.

But the chances of seeing one in or near Lawrence are now much greater than they were about 30 years ago when a Kansas sighting was rare.

“They’ve made a remarkable comeback,” said Marty Birrell, director of the Prairie Park Nature Center.

After last year’s event was canceled because of bad weather, the Jayhawk Audubon Society will have its eighth annual Eagle Day this Sunday in Building 21 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St. Donations are requested, but admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

In past years, it has been estimated that about 1,000 people attend.

Cynthia Shaw, co-committee chairwoman for Eagle Day, said the event began with a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“There will be live birds all of kinds, and we’ll have 25 to 30 conservation exhibitors,” Shaw said.

Sponsored by Chickadee Checkoff, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Westar Energy and Astaris Enviro Team, Eagle Day also will feature programs every hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• 11 a.m.: Thor Holmes, with Kansas University’s Natural History Museum, “Who’s at Home on the Prairie?”
• Noon: Bunnie Watkins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, “Lewis & Clark: Birds, Bears and Buffalo.”
• 1 p.m.: Mike Watkins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wildlife biologist, “Eagle Nesting in Kansas.”

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• 2 p.m.: Music from the Rhubarb Pie String Band, directed by Steve Mason.
• 3 p.m.: Marty Birrell, “Birds of Prey: Design of a Predator.”

Also, rangers will lead two field excursions to view eagles at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. To participate, people should meet at the Clinton Lake Corps of Engineers Headquarters. But before going to the lake, those interested should call 843-7665 to verify the trips will happen as scheduled.