<p>This study reports on interviews with amateur nature observers, focusing on how using species identification apps which incorporate computer vision tools to help users identify organisms affects their experiences of nature. Species identification apps may be used in the context of the hobby of personal nature observation as well as for community and citizen science projects and nature education. Interviews with 18 individual app users show that these users adapt their use of apps to suit their own observing preferences and find that using apps can change users’ relationships to traditional identification technologies like field guides and help deepen their interactions with naturalist communities and learn and exercise different identification skills. Some app users reported experiencing an enriched sense of connection to nature while others were concerned about their use of apps interfering with a holistic experience of place. Study results are discussed in light of a general shift in observational practices facilitated by apps.</p>