 | One of nature's greatest spectacles is watching salmon leaping during the autumn as the fish return to their breeding grounds to spawn. So why not go out and watch this remarkable acrobatic feat for yourselves? | Salmon leaping - a stunning sight.
Photo - PA Images |
 Watching fish may not be as popular as bird spotting, but it can make for sensational viewing especially when the Salmon start to leap as they return to their breeding grounds in autumn.
Fish tend to be more active in the early morning and evening so time your visit to make the most of your salmon spotting. Salmon are easily distinguished by their forked tails, brown-reddish-silver bodies and sleek shape. The fish start to migrate from the sea upstream from late summer onwards, eventually reaching its spawning beds after a journey involving leaps over weirs and falls.  Good places for salmon watching:
River Tweed and Glen Tanar estate (Scotland)
Also recommended:
Pitlochry (Scotland), River Spey (Aviemore, Cairngorms), the River Avon (e.g. the Great Weir, Christchurch), the River Test (lower reaches), and the River Frome.
Top tips * Timing is crucial if you want to witness salmon leaping. A sudden wet spell after a dry period can herald some sensational salmon aerobatics. November is a great time to watch the fish leaping.
* Fish tend to be more active in the early morning and evening so time your visit to make the most of your salmon spotting.
* During the autumn the salmon's body changes as its body turns redder in colour. * Bridges and weirs make excellent vantage points for fish watching, especially at the start of your adventure. * Once you've established what's happening, you can get down closer to the river for an even better view. Natural features such as leaning branches and half-submerged trees are good places to watch fish hiding from any predators. * Keep still and be patient - fish can be very sensitive to your vibrations and any loud noises. Walk softly if you're moving along a river bank.
* As ever, wear camouflage colours when watching wildlife to blend into the environment - avoid bright reds and garish colours! * Wear polarising sunglasses which prevent the glare from light reflecting off the water's surface, making it easier to see the fish underwater.
* Look for subtle movements in the water
Photo credits Salmon images courtesy and copyright of PA Images. | 
