Meet the dark-edged bee-fly (Bombylius major)

I spotted this insect on our goat willow tree today.

From the Natural History Museum website:
Bee-flies look adorable. Seeing the dark-edged bee-fly hover in mid-air, some people describe it as a tiny, fluffy, flying narwhale. It has a hairy little body and face, and a very long, straw-like tongue. 

At a glance, it's easy to mistake one for a bee. But these small fluffy creatures buzzing around looking for nectar are actually flies. And they have a fascinating lifestyle. 

Despite their appearance, bee-flies do not bite or sting. They are mostly interested in finding nectar, mating and laying their eggs. 

How to tell if it's a bee or a fly? If you see something that looks a little like a bee, check out its wings. A bee has two pairs of wings and rests with them close to its body, while a bee-fly has one pair and rests them away from the body. 

PS Does anyone know what the small plant is which I've shown as an 'Extra'?  I saw it on the canal bank .