I bet it is feeding on tiny insects around your pond. I cannot believe he would affect your pond in any negative way. If you want to help him out plant some Cardinal flower which is a very attractive bog plant!

It sounds like you have a great friend! He won't do anything to the pond; he's probably just enjoying the water (especially if you have a fountain or waterfall of any sort). I second lions' suggestion of Cardinal flower (lobelia), which is a great plant for hummers and a neat bog plant. Check out the link below to 'Golden Torch', which is on my wish list (and almost anyone's who sees it, I think!).

Happy hummering!

Here is a link that might be useful: 'Golden Torch' Lobelia

We were never able to attract hummingbirds until we put in a pond. I agree with the cardinal flower suggestion. We planted it a couple of years ago and the hummingbirds do love it. It came up two years in a row but I don't see it this year. I think our cold winter did it in. I'll definitely be getting more.

Hummers are curious by nature. He is probably as curious about you as you are about him. Since you don't want to hang a feeder then the suggestion of adding cardinal flower is a very good one however it doesn't bloom until late summer. If you have room I would add some salvias for all season blooms

Penny

I agree with lionsfan. I have a small lake close by, and when the wind is calm, there are clouds of small flying insects hovering over the water. The insects there are the perfect size for hummers.
The barn swallows here feast on them, and I suspect hummers do as well.
I'm envious of your pond. I aways wanted one. Good luck with your hummers.

It is probably an Anna's Hummer. They are regulars in CA. They are very curious and will get real close. I think they like to remind me to fill me feeders!

Enjoy! and good work with the garden, you should post some pics!

Laura