Hi Guys... I have a friend that is probably one of the best at bird ID's here in the northern Great Lakes area. I emailed him a link to this thread. Here is his response:
"It looks like these are birds that have partially molted into their basic plumage. The lack of hind toe, length of wings, and bill all strongly suggest Sanderling to me. The lighter feathers are the light gray feathers that they attain for their basic plumage (basic plumage Sanderlings are very pale gray). You can also see hints of very rufous feathers on the face that are left over from alternate plumage. Semipalmated shouldn't be this light gray in the new feathers, should have a shorter, stubbier bill, shorter wings, and a hind toe."
Hope this helps a bit!
-Sandy