Creature found in oxbow lakes (3)
I believe the answer is:
owl
'creature' is the definition.
(owl is a kind of creature)
'in oxbow lakes' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'OWL' can be found hidden inside 'oxbow lakes'.
'found' is the link.
(Other definitions for owl that I've seen before include "Fly low like a bird" , "Wise figure" , "Solemn person" , "Low kind of wise bird" , "Traditionally wise bird" .)