Connecticut's "drowned" coastline saps the strength of even the mighty Connecticut River. Tidal forces have turned the Connecticut into an estuary, fostering the growth of an extensive system of marshes. This aerial photograph looks across Lord's Cove Marsh to the marshes at the mouth of the Connecticut. Long Island lies across the Sound in the distance. A tidal creek winds through the Duck River Marsh in Lyme. A soft fringe of similar salt marshes extends along much of Connecticut's Coast. As its name implies, marshes like the Duck River Marsh give shelter and food to many species of wildlife.