Wildlife Spotting

Yes, I agree with what is previously said, Typha sp. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typha)

Cattails and bulrushes grow alongside one another in the US. The cattails (Typha) have these long, brown fuzzy things (like a hot dog on a stick) and flat leaves; the bulrushes are noted for their hollow stalk and drooping flowers. Looking at Wikipedia you'd think these things are a pest, but Natives here value them for food and the matting they can make. The pollen and the fluff from the cattails also have uses. Burning the patches makes them healthier. Cattail/bulrush wetlands are what produce healthy fish populations.