What not-too-tall trees to for a partial shade area?

We have a windy spot by the (salt) water where we would like to put 2 deciduous trees that would mature at 8-15 feet. They would get mottled afternoon sun - intermittent sun throughout the day, really. We want them to provide some privacy, but do not want a "hedge" effect. Dogwood is kind of the right idea, but not pretty enough and not really suited to that location. We'd like them to glitter in the sun and get nice fall color.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Bill

BillD43: I keep waiting for someone to give you some suggestions so I can come up with a solution for my problem spot. Apparently this spot I'm trying to grow an alee really doesn't get as much sun as I think it does. Tried Redbud but 2 out of 3 died. Right now I'm trying Amelanchier but they don't look too good either.

amur maple is small maple with nice fall color, not sure about salt though. japanese maples don't like the wind especially hot wind and prefer part shade. I'm not sure if there is a small birch tree that would work

You should consider cedar. I know first thought would be 'too hedge-like' but they will provide coverage/privacy all the way down to the ground. There are some types that are not dense at all but layered and quite beautiful. There are also varieties that do fine in part sun. We have a black dragon that is stunning with dark dark black/green needles and bright bright green new growth. No sparkles in the sun but very beautiful. Slow growing tho and definitely meets your height requirement. I have had no problems with redbud - very beautiful when not in bloom (bloom time is not my favorite with the redbuds but I am in the minority) Again, no sparkle in the leaves like you might get with a maple. Good fall color. Could you grow a sourwood in your zone? Not sure about the height there. What about a crepe myrtle - cinnamon bark, very beautiful, small as per your requirements - not sure if would do well in less than full sun.

Caragana microhylla 'Mongolian Silver Spires'
Sparkling ferny silver leaves, narrow jpright habit on 8-9' xeric shrub. Large yellow flowers produce red seed pods. Selectd from seed from a Mongolian steppe. For hedge or low windbreak; somewhat spiny. Hardy to zone 3.

Thorny Elaeagnus 10-15 feet sun or shade. Fragrant small white flowers, somewhat evergreen leaves flecked with silver. Leaves have ruffled margins and underside covered with silver scales. Desireable for screens hedges barriers but must be pruned for shape every now and again. Elaeagnus Pungens

I have been waiting for replys also.
What about a weeping snow fountain cherry tree?

Use this link to search for a tree your looking for http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/advancedSearch.cfm
I use it all the time.