Common Alder and Bug

A walk around Needham Lake this afternoon left me wondering what season we were in as these catkins were on the Common Alder. I couldn't recall seeing this before although I have Alders on the river bank , but a quick look when I got home revealed catkins were indeed on my trees as well Are they ahead of themselves or will they not open up until the spring I wonder? I didn't see the little bug until after I'd downloaded the image and have no idea what it is!