This group of shorebirds was seen at Coney Island (NY, USA) yesterday March 2nd about 100 feet into the water. Along with them was a Purple Sandpiper which is partly occluded by the rocks.
Blackish beaks and legs. The rest of the colors are probably a bit off in this image, however there wasn't any hint of brown on the upperparts in the view through binocs. I could not get a view of them in flight so there are no other angles that I could contribute to the identification of this species. Looking at the field guide these look like either Semipalmated Sandpipers or Sanderlings (based on black shoulder patch on one of them). Would greatly appreciate if anyone can identify them. Thanks for looking.
Sure. Dark legs, dark, thick bills, very white belly/breast/throat/cheaks. The wings are low in contrasting patterns, being mostly the same tone. The size is good compared to the Purple SP in the pix. And, as you point out, the one or two with the black shoulder is a real clincher for me.