Small creatures make early-season nature-watching a challenge.
 Spotted lady beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) on Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), early May. The diet of this common beetle is evenly divided between pollen--especially early in the season before aphids have emerged-- and aphids. |  Bee fly (Bombylius major) nectaring on Trailing Arbutus/Mayflower (Epigaea repens). Coloration, fuzzy body, and hovering flight cause them to be mistaken for bees, but they are flower-loving flies. |
These small Sweat Bees (Halictidae, probably Lasioglossum) assist with dandelion pollination while they are feeding on nectar and pollen. Thanks to Tom Murray for ID help.