Numerous other species frequent wetland areas but do not reside in them. The Kansas River has been tamed by a system of dams and levees which was built to prevent major floods. Historically, the river meandered back and forth between the bluffs to the north and south. Sandbars are more commonly found in the upper reaches of the river compared to near Kansas City. These sandbars support a variety of living things including plants like willows, cottonwood trees, and grasses.
Sandbars also provide food and shelter for shorebirds, waterfowl, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
In the shallows along sandbars it is not uncommon to find wading birds like herons and egrets. Cormorants, also known as water turkey, can be found near the warm water outlets of power plants. The Kansas River is home to a number of fish including catfish, minnows, bass, crappie, and gar. Beavers make their homes along the banks of the river and the large cottonwood trees provide nesting sites for songbirds. These stately trees also provide vantage points from which Bald Eagles scan the river in search of food.