I'm trying to identify the long, slender protrusion coming from this fly. Presently my best guess is that it is the fruiting body of a fungal infection.
On Munro's globemallow.
This individual appeared to be collecting something from a hole in the side of a Munro's globemallow bud. In one of the images, something in its mouth is visible. It stayed in this location for quite some time, sticking its head into the hole.
She was utilizing a piece of flexible irrigation tubing (approx. 0.5" ID x 8" long) that was inserted vertically into the ground. White pedals were her choice of material.
Running amazingly fast through the gravel looking for prey in the crevices.
On common yarrow. There were multiple individuals. See also observation https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/139172084.
I found this on some russian olive on the banks Columbia River.
It tucked it's snout when I flipped it over.
The photos are not very good quality because I didn't have my macro lens with me unfortunately.