Along the barrier islands of the eastern United States, vast marshes stretch out in what seems at first to be flat, featureless expanses. From above, however, their true complexity is revealed—an intricate network of waterways and tidal channels carved into branching patterns. The view also reveals a striking palette: grasses shifting from green to gold to rust with the seasons, and waters that range from deep blue to pale turquoise. Accessible mostly by boat and visited mainly by fishermen, these marshes remain quiet sanctuaries for abundant bird life. They are also ecological engines, filtering water, buffering storms, and providing nurseries for countless species. Formed over centuries as tides and sediments shaped the shifting coastline, the marshes embody both resilience and fragility, reminding photographers that even seemingly understated landscapes hold a hidden richness worth capturing.