In the field, these birds are easily recognized and in the wild would normally chose trees or other stable locations in which to build their large nests. As a result, many have taken to man made nesting platforms as a means of raising their young.
Individuals also seem to have their own personalities. Care must be taken as some of them are incredibly sensitive to invaders to their territory and it is advised to use good birding ethics around them. Unguarded eggs or chicks is dangerous. If eggs are left unattended, they can die from not being properly incubated by the parent bird and chicks can be made into a meal. If you hear the warning calls, it is best to back off. With that being said, over the years I've noticed some birds are incredibly tolerant and don't mind being observed. Regardless, give them a respectable space especially when nesting.
For those in Connecticut, please consider signing up to be a nest steward. It's a great program that depends heavily on citizen scientists and, due to citizens, they have been able to obtain a great deal of data in just one breeding season.
Please watch this blog for an upcoming addition to this piece as I place up for sale several of my Osprey images that can be purchased. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Branford Land Trust to help pay for the creation and installation of additional nesting platforms.