Many birds, including coots and blackbirds, and muskrats, use the thick vegetation for cover. American coots nest over the water. Black feathers contrast sharply with the white bill. This bird is slightly smaller than most ducks and usually runs on top of the water before getting airborne. They weave intricate nests in the tops of cattails and feed on the abundant insect life.
Muskrats are aquatic rodents that use cattail for food as well as material to build their houses.
Canada geese frequently nest on top of muskrat houses. Canada geese nest in different places including the ground, muskrat houses, cliffs and even in osprey nests on treetops. Goose nests on the ground are often destroyed by predators such as the raccoon. To increase goose production, nest baskets were placed on iron pipes which are resistant to climbing predators. They nest in the grass.