East Lyme — Shana Pascarella of Old Lyme brought treats for the gulls at McCook Point Beach in Niantic on Thursday.

"My husband told me he had things covered and to get out of the house for the afternoon, so here I am," said Pascarella, who has a baby at home.

She added that she brought cat food for the birds instead of bread because "it has to be healthier, right?"