The Literal Meaning of Sitting Ducks

A 1977 lithograph turns a common idiom into a dark joke. It shows three ducks lounging by a pool, only to notice bullet holes in the wall behind them.

Artist Michael Bedard famously brought the phrase sitting duck to life by showing the birds in a moment of unsuspecting vulnerability. By giving the ducks lawn chairs and a poolside setting, he creates a humorous yet chilling contrast between their leisure and their fate. The image became a cultural icon, eventually inspiring an animated television series and books. It remains a masterclass in visual storytelling and cynical wit.