Updates:
After checking on it this morning, our unfortunate sparrow chick was "foot" up to the sky with eye's glazed over within the little open topped shoebox we prepped for it. We did see the parents caring for it as best they could several times, but I suppose it succumbed to the obvious. I feel better knowing the poor thing isn't suffering anymore and I'm honestly glad I don't have to be in the situation. Shades of 2 years ago with a baby robin we adopted. If I would have blinked he would have been food for the lawnmower, but, to his good fortune I noticed him before "John Deere" did. That was a 2month affair of constant care and feedings and was comparable to the care of a premature infant.
Incidentally, to those that were wondering... In the State of New Jersey, it is ILLEAGAL to care for any wild animals without proper licensing and permits. So, as far as taking the baby bird to the vet, it would have been turned away. I actually have a friend that saw a "cute little duck" get hit by a car. It was a glancing blow off a windshield, but, he, like myself an animal lover, decided to do the standup thing and take the small duck to the local vet's office. Well... To make a long story semi-shorter, the duck turned out to be an endangered species of woodduck and when the duck was delivered to the vet's office, the Commission of Wildlife/Endangered Species of NJ was contacted and dispatched to the scene. They aquired my friends address and he was charged in court with handling an endangered species that brought with it possible jail time and a $1000 fine. The judge said he would be kind to my buddy and not require him to serve time behind bars. The fine, however, was a different story and he had to pay it. I think I speak for all that read this forum that we probably all would have all acted in a similar manner.
In regards to my little robin chick, I had to drive 2 and a half hours into PA just to deliver it to a rehab center that was up to standard. When I finally arrived, I was met by the equivalent of a Nurse Ratchet type of receptionist who only asked me why I treated the bird myself. I realize domesticating wild animals isn't a good idea, but the thing would be dead today without my care. Not to toot my own horn, but I kind of felt slighted in that there was zero appreciation that I brought this creature in to be cared for.
Anyway, bottom line to all this is that my little sparrow friend is in a better place and no doubt in that place he'll be fitted with a little prosthetic sparrow leg as well. R.I.P. lil' friend
I will try to supervise the future fence runs when I'm able for my 2 Jacks and do my best to deal with the prey/agression thing.
Putting up signs that read, "CONSIDER THIS YOUR FINAL WARNING" for the wildlife,
-Shmee
P.S. Thanks to all for the support and suggestions!!!